Die Pack Mounting Door Assembly With Internal Coolant Passages

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing forward mounting assembly and die pack mounting for bodymakers are time-consuming and inconvenient, requiring precise alignment and involving coolant fluid fittings that obstruct operations and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A unitary forward mounting assembly with a die pack mounting bed and door assembly that is movable, eliminating the need for coolant fluid fittings and allowing internal coolant passages, thus simplifying installation and maintenance by removing the need for hose coupling and alignment procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional die pack mounting with coolant fluid fittings is used, then cooling function is provided, but hose coupling and alignment procedures are required which are time-consuming and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidcoolant fluid fittings
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the coolant fluid fittings and external hose connections from the die pack mounting system. Instead, coolant passages are integrated directly into the mounting structure, allowing coolant to be supplied through internal channels without requiring external fittings or hose coupling procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure is designed to combine multiple functions: structural support for the die pack, alignment reference surfaces, and integrated coolant delivery system. The mounting structure itself contains internal coolant passages that eliminate the need for separate coolant fittings and hoses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If precise alignment procedures with alignment shims are used, then proper positioning is achieved, but installation time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure incorporates pre-formed alignment reference surfaces and locating features that are built into the structure during manufacturing. These pre-integrated alignment features eliminate the need for field alignment procedures and shim installation, allowing for quick and accurate positioning of the die pack.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure provides self-alignment through its inherent geometric features and reference surfaces. The die pack automatically positions itself correctly relative to the mounting structure without requiring external alignment tools, shims, or adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If coolant hoses are connected to die pack fittings, then cooling is provided, but hoses obstruct operations and maintenance activities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling functionVSAvoidoperational accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant passages are nested within the mounting structure itself, with coolant channels formed inside the mounting body. This internal integration allows the cooling function to be provided without external hoses, giving operators clear access to the die pack and surrounding areas for maintenance and operational activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3615239B1Tool pack clamp cover
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 STOLLE MACHINERY CO LLC
  • EP3615239B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3615239B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3615239B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A die pack mounting (70) for a bodymaker (10) includes a die pack mounting bed (80) and a die pack mounting door assembly (82). The die pack mounting door assembly (82) is movably coupled to the die pack mounting bed (80). The die pack mounting door assembly (82) is movable between an open, first position, wherein the die pack mounting door assembly (82) is structured to support a die pack (16) in a maintenance configuration, and, a closed, second position, wherein the die pack mounting door assembly (82) fixes the die pack (16) in a selected position. Further, the die pack mounting door assembly (82) does not include any coolant fluid fittings. That is, the die pack mounting door assembly (82) defines internal passages (262) for coolant and the coolant is supplied via similar passages in the die pack mounting bed (80).