Crimping Die Set with Interlocking Teeth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing die sets for shrinking and crimping tubular parts require specific manufacturing and cannot be easily inverted, leading to difficulties in correct orientation and reduced manufacturing advantages when using molding processes.
Innovation Solution
A set of two identical dies with teeth and interstices arranged on one side of the median longitudinal plane aligning with the opposite features on the other side after a rotation, allowing for flexible orientation and simplified manufacturing, enabling the use of identical dies in any direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the teeth and interstices of each die are aligned transversely to facilitate machining, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the dies must be presented in a specific orientation during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the teeth and interstices arrangement to be asymmetric with respect to the median longitudinal plane. Specifically, the teeth on one side of the median plane are positioned to align with interstices on the other side, creating an asymmetric pattern that nevertheless allows flexible orientation. This asymmetric design breaks the traditional transverse alignment symmetry, enabling the dies to function correctly regardless of which die is placed in which position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing both dies to be identical in structure and function. Each die contains the complete asymmetric teeth-interstices pattern, allowing either die to be placed in either position (fixed or mobile) during crimping operations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for specific die orientation or differentiation between left and right dies, making the system universally applicable in any configuration.
2Ease of manufacture
If two distinct matrices are used, then specific manufacturing is required for each, but they cannot be inverted or used in reverse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two distinct matrices into a single standardized design. Instead of manufacturing two different dies with complementary features, the invention uses two identical dies, each containing the complete asymmetric teeth-interstices pattern. This merging of functions allows either die to serve as the fixed or mobile matrix, providing inversion capability while simplifying the manufacturing approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables inversion by designing the dies so that either die can be placed in either position. The asymmetric teeth-interstices arrangement is configured such that when one die is inverted or swapped with the other, the teeth of one die still align with the interstices of the other, maintaining proper functional engagement. This inversion capability eliminates the limitation of fixed die orientation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the matrices are made identical and turned over relative to each other, then manufacturing is simplified, but the correct presentation direction must be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetry in the teeth-interstices arrangement to encode orientation information inherently within the geometry itself. The asymmetric pattern ensures that when the dies are placed together in the correct configuration, the teeth of one die align with the interstices of the other. This geometric encoding eliminates the need for external orientation markers or instructions, as the correct orientation is determined by the physical interlocking of the asymmetric features.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~9
AI summary
The fount has two identical matrices each with a hollow cavity which extends laterally on each edge through a matrix junction surface. The surface forms teeth (3) and interstices (4) having combined forms such that the teeth and the interstices imbricate one another from one matrix to another during mutual connection of the matrices. The teeth and the interstices placed on a side of a median longitudinal plane of the cavity align respectively, for each matrix, on the interstices and the teeth placed on the other side of the longitudinal plane.