Crimper Anvil Alignment via Lateral Offset Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crimping press devices face challenges in aligning the crimper relative to the anvil efficiently, reliably, and with high precision, particularly when tools are changed, affecting the quality of crimp connections.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine and adjust the lateral offset between the crimper and anvil by moving the anvil in a perpendicular direction, using optical devices or measuring probes for precise alignment, ensuring the crimping press produces high-quality connections quickly and reliably.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional alignment methods are used to align the crimper relative to the anvil, then the alignment can be performed, but the process is time-consuming, complex, and lacks high precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment methods with an optical measurement system. Optical devices (cameras, lasers) are used to detect the positions of the crimper and anvil, and a control unit processes the data to calculate and guide alignment movements, substituting manual mechanical adjustment with automated optical-mechanical integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting its own component positions and adjusting them. The measurement device detects the relative positions of crimper and anvil, the control unit calculates the required adjustment, and the system executes the movement autonomously without requiring external intervention or complex manual procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tools are changed in the crimping press device, then different crimping operations can be performed, but the alignment between crimper and anvil must be redone, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and calculation of alignment parameters after tool changes. The optical measurement device immediately detects the new tool positions, the control unit pre-calculates the required alignment movements, and the system prepares the adjustment before actual crimping operations begin, minimizing downtime during tool changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the optical measurement device continuously monitors the positions of tools and alignment elements. After tool changes, the system detects the actual positions, compares them with the required positions, and automatically adjusts until alignment criteria are met, providing real-time feedback to ensure quick and accurate realignment.
3Reliability
If manual alignment procedures are used, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the ease of operation is reduced and reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control unit that mediates between the optical measurement device and the mechanical alignment system. The control unit processes measurement data, calculates alignment parameters, and generates control signals for movement actuators, simplifying the operator's task to initiating the alignment process while ensuring reliable and precise execution through automated intermediate processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for aligning a crimper (32) of a first tool (30) of a crimping press (20) relative to an anvil (42) of a second tool (40) of the crimping press (20) is disclosed, wherein the crimper (32) and the anvil (42) are adapted for making a crimp connection jointly by moving the crimper (32) relative to the anvil (42) in a first direction (102), wherein the method comprises the following: - determining a lateral offset (50) of the crimper (32) relative to the anvil (42), wherein the lateral offset (50) is an offset of a center line (35) of the crimper (32) to a center line (45) of the anvil (42) in a second direction (103), wherein the second direction (103) is perpendicular to the first direction (102), wherein the center line (35) of the crimper (32) runs through a center of the crimper (32) and in the first direction (102) and wherein the center line (45) of the anvil (42) runs through a center of the anvil (42) and in the first direction (102); and - moving the crimper (32) relative to the anvil (42) in the second direction (103) for lowering the lateral offset (50).