Die Set Lift Mechanism to Prevent Coil Spring Particle Shedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing die set apparatuses for press equipment often suffer from the adhesion of fine metal particles to workpieces, particularly in clean environments like those required for disk drive suspension manufacturing, due to the compression of coil springs which can lead to bowing and contact with guide pins.
Innovation Solution
The die set apparatus incorporates a lift mechanism with two coil springs and a linear motion guide member, where the coil springs are arranged to maintain a constant diameter and are compressed between die holders and washers, preventing contact with the guide pin through strategically formed gaps and positioning portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a coil spring with sufficient length relative to diameter is used to accommodate large movement stroke of the upper die holder, then the movement stroke requirement is met, but the coil spring deforms in a crescent shape (bowing) when compressed, causing contact with the guide pin and generating fine metal particles
Solution Approach 1:
A linear motion guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the coil spring and the guide pin. This guide member includes a guide hole through which the guide pin passes, preventing direct contact between the coil spring and guide pin. The linear motion guide member mediates the interaction, allowing the coil spring to exert upward force on the upper die holder through the guide pin without causing harmful contact and particle generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the coil spring for providing upward force, the linear motion guide member for guiding motion and preventing contact, and the guide pin for transmitting force. By segmenting the lift mechanism into these separate components with defined interfaces, the harmful contact between coil spring and guide pin is eliminated while maintaining the necessary movement stroke.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If oilless processing is used to maintain high cleanliness in the clean chamber, then the cleanliness requirement is met, but fine particles scatter easily and may adhere to the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potential harm of coil spring compression (which could cause bowing and particle generation) into a beneficial outcome by designing the lift mechanism to prevent contact. The coil spring continues to provide necessary upward force, but the linear motion guide member ensures this force is transmitted without causing bowing or particle generation, thus maintaining cleanliness in oilless processing conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the inner surface of the coil spring contacts the guide pin during compression, then the lift mechanism functions, but metallic fine particles are produced at the contact portion which is harmful to the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The linear motion guide member serves as an intermediary that allows the lift mechanism to function properly while preventing harmful contact. The guide hole in the linear motion guide member guides the guide pin's motion, ensuring smooth operation of the lift mechanism without direct contact between the coil spring and guide pin, thereby eliminating fine particle generation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively prevents the adhesion of fine metal particles to workpieces by avoiding contact between the coil springs and the guide pin, maintaining a clean environment and ensuring precise processing of workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring which urges the upper die holder upward
Data Source
AI summary
A lift mechanism of a die set apparatus includes a guide pin, a linear motion guide member, a first washer, a second washer, a first coil spring, and a second coil spring. A first positioning portion and a second positioning portion control a first end turn portion and a second end turn portion from moving in a radial direction of the guide pin in a state where a first gap is formed between the first coil spring and the guide pin. A third positioning portion and a fourth positioning portion control a third end turn portion and a fourth end turn portion from moving in the radial direction of the guide pin in a state where a second gap is formed between the second coil spring and the guide pin.