Die Insertion Tool Alignment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional die insertion processes in compression machines often result in misalignment due to the multi-step process, leading to die wear, punch tip wear, and turret damage, which affects the quality of the products formed.

Innovation Solution

A die insertion tool is designed to maintain positive engagement with the die during insertion, using a barrel, tip, and collar configuration that fits within the press's punch bore, ensuring accurate alignment through a driving rod mechanism that applies a striking force to seat the die correctly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a multi-step conventional die insertion process is used, then the die can be inserted into the die pocket, but misalignment occurs leading to die wear and punch tip wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedie alignment precisionVSAvoiddie wear resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The die insertion tool acts as an intermediary device between the die and the press. It includes a barrel that fits within the punch guide bore, a tip that engages with the die cavity, and a collar that contacts the die. This intermediary tool maintains positive engagement with the die throughout the insertion process, preventing misalignment and wear while enabling reliable die installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the die is tapped back out and reinserted to correct misalignment, then alignment can be improved, but the process time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedie alignment precisionVSAvoiddie insertion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The die insertion tool is designed to maintain positive engagement with the die from the beginning of the insertion process. The barrel fits within the punch guide bore, the tip engages with the die cavity, and the collar contacts the die to prevent rotation or misalignment during insertion. This preliminary engagement ensures correct alignment is maintained throughout the process, eliminating the need for repeated tapping and reinsertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the upper punch is removed and replaced by a rod to insert the die, then the die can be seated, but the die may rotate and become misaligned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedie insertion easeVSAvoiddie alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a simple rod as an intermediary, the patent employs a specialized die insertion tool with a barrel, tip, and collar configuration. The barrel fits within the punch guide bore, the tip engages with the die cavity, and the collar contacts the die to prevent rotation. This enhanced intermediary device maintains both ease of operation and alignment precision during die insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11504932B2Die insertion tool

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 BAYER HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

The invention concerns a die insertion tool (100) for inserting a die (550) into a die pocket (552) of a press (500), the tool (100) includes a barrel (102) shaped for positioning the tool (100) within a punch guide bore (582) of the press (500), a tip (106) for insertion into a die cavity (556) of the die (550), and a collar (104) located between the barrel (102) and the tip (106) and configured to contact the die (550) when the tip (106) is inserted in the die cavity (556). The invention further concerns a kit (700) for a press (500) and a method for inserting a die (550) into a die pocket (552) of a press (500).