Domer Die Clamp Assembly for Precise Ram Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Misalignment between the ram of a bodymaker and the domer die during the press forming process leads to unwanted deformation and coining defects in metal food or beverage container preforms, resulting in financial losses for manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part clamp assembly is employed to align coaxially and concentrically the domer die and the ram of the bodymaker, using a movable sleeve system with biasing elements to ensure precise alignment before forming the can bottom, thereby reducing coining and other structural defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single-part clamp assembly is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment precision between the domer die and the ram deteriorates, leading to coining defects
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is divided into multiple parts: a first clamp part that contacts the domer die and a second clamp part that contacts the ram. These segmented parts can move independently to accommodate misalignment while maintaining precise alignment during forming, thus resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second clamp parts are nested within each other, with the first clamp part positioned inside the second clamp part. This nested configuration allows both clamp parts to function simultaneously while maintaining a compact structure, achieving precise alignment without excessive device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the clamp assembly is rigid and fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to accommodate misalignment and ensure symmetric alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly incorporates movable clamp parts that can dynamically adjust their positions. The first clamp part moves with the domer die while the second clamp part moves with the ram, allowing the system to adapt to misalignment and ensure symmetric alignment during the forming process.
3Manufacturing precision
If misalignment occurs between the ram and domer die, then the productivity is maintained, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates, resulting in coining defects and financial losses
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly performs preliminary alignment action before the forming process begins. The movable clamp parts establish proper alignment between the domer die and ram in advance, preventing coining defects during forming and eliminating the need for rework or scrap, thus maintaining both precision and productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an alignment retainer and a profile retainer, where the profile retainer is movably coupled to the alignment retainer. A biasing element is positioned between the alignment retainer and the profile retainer to enable movement of the alignment retainer relative to the profile retainer.