Direct-Drive Notching Ram for Space-Saving Punching Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing groove punching machines face inefficiencies due to high tool costs and limited flexibility in processing small series or large sheet diameters, requiring multiple punching processes with single groove punches, and existing drives are cumbersome and require extensive installation space.

Innovation Solution

A direct drive system with an electric machine, drive shaft, and connecting rod, integrated into the head piece of the device, allowing for flexible movement of the ram with a frame design that can be either C-frame or O-frame, enabling efficient punching and ventilation strokes with programmable control for optimized workpiece processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a conventional clutch/brake combination drive system is used, then power transmission to the ram is achieved, but the device requires extensive installation space and increased structural complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoiddrive system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the clutch/brake combination from the drive system, replacing it with a direct drive mechanism. This elimination of unnecessary components directly reduces installation space and structural complexity while maintaining the essential power transmission function to the ram.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical clutch/brake system with an electric direct drive system. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical power transmission elements, reducing both the physical space required and the overall mechanical complexity of the drive system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple punching processes are used for small series or large sheet diameters, then production flexibility is maintained, but tooling costs and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction flexibilityVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamically controllable ram with variable stroke length and speed, allowing a single notching punch to adapt to different production requirements. The programmable control system enables the same equipment to handle both small series and large sheet diameter operations efficiently, maintaining flexibility while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If a single notching punch is used for multiple punching processes, then tooling costs are reduced, but production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetooling costVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent equips the single notching punch with a programmable control system that enables variable stroke length, speed, and positioning. This dynamic capability allows the single punch to perform multiple punching operations efficiently, maintaining low tooling costs while achieving high production efficiency through optimized process control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters (stroke length, speed, positioning) of the single notching punch through programmable control. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high productivity with a single punch, eliminating the need for multiple punches while maintaining production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Area of stationary object

If an electric direct drive system is implemented, then installation space is reduced and flexibility is enhanced, but the drive system requires precise control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidcontrol precision requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system with sensors that monitor ram position, speed, and stroke length. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of the electric direct drive, ensuring accurate positioning and operation while maintaining the space-saving benefits of the direct drive architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The direct drive system reduces installation space, enhances flexibility in ram movement, and allows for efficient punching and ventilation strokes, improving tool life and reducing operational complexity, enabling efficient production of stator and rotor laminations without the need for additional axes or continuous flywheel operation.

Implementation Method 1

An electric direct drive is provided to drive the ram. The direct drive comprises an electric motor, a drive shaft driven by the electric motor and featuring an eccentric, and a connecting rod coupled to the eccentric and coupled to the ram.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The direct drive comprises an electric motor, a drive shaft driven by the electric motor and featuring an eccentric, and a connecting rod coupled to the eccentric and coupled to the ram.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP3697546B1Device for notching and method for operating a device for notching
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 HSF AUTOMATION
  • EP3697546B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3697546B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3697546B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a drive device for driving a device (100) for notching, wherein the device (100) for notching comprises a frame having a stand (104) and a head piece (106) connected to the stand (104), a tappet (114) that is coupled to the head piece (106) and can be moved along a punching axis (116) extending along a y-axis, and optionally a partial apparatus (120) for receiving a workpiece (102) to be machined. The drive device comprises an electric direct drive (118) for driving the tappet (114).