Double-Sided Crafting Die for Simultaneous Two-Sheet Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dies are limited to cutting or embossing a single material sheet at a time, making them time-consuming and inefficient for large quantities, and require multiple dies for various patterns, leading to storage and cost issues.

Innovation Solution

A double-sided die with raised edges on both the upper and lower surfaces, allowing simultaneous cutting or embossing of two material sheets or both sides of a folded sheet, enabling efficient use in die cutting machines and reducing the need for multiple dies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional single-sided die is used, then the die structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but only one material sheet can be cut or embossed at a time, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of material sheets cut per passVSAvoiddie structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a single-sided die to a double-sided die, utilizing both surfaces of the base plate for cutting operations. This allows two material sheets to be cut simultaneously in opposite directions, effectively doubling productivity without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The die base plate serves multiple functions by having cutting edges on both surfaces, allowing it to cut two different material sheets simultaneously. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling the same die structure to perform dual cutting operations, improving productivity while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dies are used for different patterns, then various shapes and patterns can be cut, but storage space and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariety of patterns that can be cutVSAvoidnumber of dies required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The double-sided die structure allows a single die to serve multiple purposes by having different cutting patterns on each surface. This enables one die to replace multiple single-sided dies, reducing the total number of dies needed for storage while maintaining the ability to cut various patterns and shapes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of time

If a single-sided die is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but time is lost by needing to reposition the die for cutting the other side of folded materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for repositioning dieVSAvoiddie structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By utilizing both surfaces of the die base plate, the invention eliminates the need to reposition the die when cutting both sides of folded materials. The second surface of the die can simultaneously cut the opposite side of folded cardstock or fabric, saving time without adding complex repositioning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11440211B2Crafting dies

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 CRAFTERS COMPANION

AI summary

The invention relates to a die for cutting a shape or pattern from a material, the die being composed of a base plate (1) comprising an upper surface (2) and a lower surface (3). The die comprises one or more raised edges (4) in the form of a pattern or shape to be die-cut or embossed, on each of the upper and lower surfaces, such that the die can be used to die-cut or emboss two sheets of material simultaneously.