Die Holder Segmentation and Release Mechanism for Press Stiction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Die holders for metal-fabricating presses often require time-consuming and difficult die replacement due to tight fits and stiction issues, making it hard to change or remove dies between closely spaced upper and lower tables.
Innovation Solution
A die holder with a clamp and wall portion that can be adjusted between open and closed configurations, featuring a tool-free actuator and a die-release mechanism to facilitate easy mounting and dismounting of dies without lifting, and to overcome stiction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the die holder uses a tight fit between the die and holder to secure the die, then the die clamping reliability is improved, but the die removal difficulty increases due to stiction
Solution Approach 1:
The die holder is segmented into a stationary body and a movable clamp portion that can be independently actuated. This segmentation allows the clamp portion to be released without moving the entire die holder, facilitating easier die removal while maintaining secure clamping when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The die-release mechanism applies a preliminary separation force to break the stiction bond between the die and holder before actual removal. This preliminary action overcomes the adhesive forces created by the tight fit, allowing smooth die extraction without excessive force.
2Reliability
If the die holder requires multiple steps to loosen set screws for die replacement, then the die clamping security is improved, but the die replacement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping and releasing functions are merged into a single actuator system. A single motion of the actuator simultaneously controls the clamp portion to either engage or disengage, eliminating the need for multiple steps to loosen set screws while maintaining secure clamping when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp portion is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing it to transition quickly between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic design enables rapid die replacement by allowing the clamp portion to be swiftly repositioned without manual intervention for each fastener.
3Volume of moving object
If the upper and lower tables of the press are positioned close together to reduce machine size, then the machine footprint is reduced, but the die accessibility for replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The die-release mechanism extracts the complex multi-step set screw loosening process and replaces it with a simple single-motion actuator. This extraction simplifies the operation required in the confined space between tables, making die replacement feasible despite limited accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable clamp portion acts as an intermediary mechanism that can be actuated from the accessible side of the die holder. This intermediary allows control of the clamping action without requiring direct access to the die-clamp interface, solving the accessibility problem in confined spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention involves a die holder for a press, such as a metal-fabricating press. The die holder can be configured to receive a die, and can include a clamp portion and a wall portion. Preferably, the clamp and wall portions can be positioned in an open configuration or a closed configuration, and the die holder can be adjusted from an unclamped configuration to a clamped configuration. The die holder may have a die-release mechanism useful for overcoming stiction and facilitating removal of the die from the die holder.