Reciprocating Die Roll Forming With Servo Blank Position Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cold forming machines employing reciprocal dies to form patterns on cylindrical blanks face challenges in optimizing blank feeding, stroke length, die sizing, longitudinal die spacing, and transverse die clearance, which affect the efficiency and precision of the forming process.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a multi-station reciprocating die roll forming machine with servo-motor and belt drive systems, featuring modular forming elements, adjustable die holders, and a blank delivery system with position sensing and feedback mechanisms, allows for optimized blank feeding, stroke length optimization, and precise die alignment and spacing, enabling efficient and precise pattern formation on cylindrical blanks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a multi-station reciprocating die configuration is used, then productivity is improved through parallel processing of multiple blanks, but device complexity increases due to multiple servo-motors, belts, and synchronized control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is divided into multiple independent working centers (first working center, second working center, etc.), each with its own reciprocating die set and blank feeding station. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple blanks simultaneously, improving productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reciprocating die sets at different working centers are configured to perform the same thread rolling function on cylindrical blanks, but at different positions in the longitudinal direction. This multi-functionality allows the machine to process multiple blanks in parallel through identical operational mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different die sizes are used at different working centers, then adaptability is improved for various blank sizes, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult to maintain across different die configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each reciprocating die set is configured with specific die sizes and spacing appropriate for the local requirements of that working center. The first reciprocating die set has a first size, while the second reciprocating die set has a second size, allowing each station to be optimized for specific blank dimensions while maintaining overall system precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The die holders are designed with adjustable mechanisms that allow the reciprocating dies to be positioned at different longitudinal locations along the blank. This dynamic adjustability enables the same die set to accommodate different blank sizes and configurations while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If longitudinal die spacing is optimized for each working center, then manufacturing precision is improved for specific blank configurations, but device complexity increases due to individual spacing adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reciprocating dies are pre-positioned at specific longitudinal locations on the blanks during the blank feeding and positioning phase, before the actual thread rolling operation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the dies engage the blanks, they are already at the optimal spacing for manufacturing precision, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If transverse die clearance is adjusted for optimal forming, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to additional adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The die clearance and positioning mechanisms are designed to automatically maintain optimal transverse clearance between opposing dies during the reciprocating motion. The mechanical design of the die holders and guide structures ensures that the dies engage the blanks at the correct spacing without requiring manual adjustment by the operator, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while preserving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3277448B1Multi-station reciprocating die roll forming machine and method of patterning blanks
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3277448B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3277448B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3277448B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A multi-station, reciprocating die, pattern forming machine, including a pair of parallel reciprocal slide members with spaced pairs of pattern forming dies thereon reciprocal between an insert position and an eject position. Drive mechanism reciprocates the die pairs alternately between the insert position and eject position. Mechanism delivers and positions a pattern receiving blank to a pair of dies when in the insert position. Axial translation of the dies causes the dies to rotate the blank at a center of process and impart a pattern upon the blank. Servo-motors on blank positioning mechanism provide feedback recognition of the position of the blanks during processing.