Crimping Tool Exchange Device for Automated Press Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual exchange of crimping tools in crimping presses is prone to errors, slow, and disrupts the operation, often requiring realignment of the tool and crimp contact, leading to increased costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A crimping tool exchange device with exchange spots and a guide system that allows for secure, automated displacement of crimping tools, ensuring accurate positioning and alignment, reducing the need for manual intervention and realignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual exchange of crimping tools is performed, then the tool can be replaced, but the operation is slow and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-aligning exchange spots with guide structures that automatically position the crimping tool correctly during exchange, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations and reducing both time and error potential
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical exchange operations with an automated exchange mechanism featuring movable exchange spots and guide structures, transitioning from human-operated to machine-controlled tool replacement
2Productivity
If manual exchange of crimping tools is performed, then the tool can be replaced, but realignment of position is required which increases downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The exchange spots are pre-configured with guide structures and positioning features that ensure the crimping tool is correctly aligned before the exchange is complete, eliminating post-exchange alignment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment through the guide structures and geometric constraints of the exchange spots, automatically ensuring correct positioning without requiring separate alignment operations
3Productivity
If exchange spots are added for automated tool exchange, then exchange speed improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exchange spots serve multiple functions: they hold the crimping tool during exchange, provide alignment guidance through integrated structures, and enable automated positioning, reducing the need for separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structures and positioning features are integrated within the exchange spot assembly itself, with components nested together to minimize overall device footprint and complexity while maintaining functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A crimping tool exchange device for exchanging crimping tools in a process position in a cable crimp contact crimping press has at least two exchange spots that each retain a crimping tool. When the exchange spots are in a first exchange position, a first tool is displaced from the process position to a first exchange spot along a first direction of movement, the exchange spots are linearly moved from the first exchange position into a second exchange position wherein the first tool and a second tool located on a second exchange spot move in a second direction of movement that differs from the first direction of movement, and in the second exchange position the second tool is displaced from the second exchange spot into the process position in a third direction of movement that is opposite to the first direction of movement.