Dual-Action Die Retainer for Single-Motion Die Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crimping and cutting tools lack an efficient mechanism for easily removing and installing dies, which complicates the process and requires multiple motions or complex operations.

Innovation Solution

A die retainer system featuring a ram head with a release button and die pin, allowing for a dual acting release mechanism that can be actuated from either side, enabling easy removal and installation of dies with a single motion by utilizing a sloped notch and biasing element for secure retention and release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional die retention mechanism is used, then the die can be securely retained in the crimping head, but the process of removing and installing dies becomes complex and requires multiple motions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of die removal and installationVSAvoidcomplexity of retention mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The die retention mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a die pin for retention, a release button for actuation, and a slot with sloped surfaces for motion guidance. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling simple single-motion die changes while maintaining secure retention through the dedicated die pin structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The release button is positioned to extend through the crimping head rather than being contained within it, allowing the user to actuate the release mechanism from the opposite side of where the die is retained. This inverted arrangement simplifies the user's interaction to a single pushing motion while the internal mechanism handles the complex die release sequence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If a simple release mechanism is used, then die removal is quick and easy, but secure retention of the die during operation cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of die changeVSAvoidsecurity of die retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The die pin is pre-positioned to extend into the die cavity, establishing secure retention before the crimping operation begins. The release button is pre-configured with sloped surfaces that will automatically guide the die pin's withdrawal path, ensuring that when release is actuated, the die is quickly and reliably removed without requiring complex user maneuvers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The slot with sloped surfaces acts as an intermediary mechanism between the release button and the die pin. When the release button is pushed, the sloped surfaces convert this simple linear motion into the appropriate withdrawal motion of the die pin, mediating between the user's simple action and the complex requirement of secure die release while maintaining retention during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11998970B2Dual action retention mechanism

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention provide a die retainer for use in a tool. The die retainer can include a ram head, a release button, and a die pin. The ram head includes a die cavity and a pair of lateral sides on opposing sides of the die cavity. The release button can extend through a release button hole formed in the ram head hand include opposing ends that extend past each of the corresponding pair of lateral sides. The die pin extends through a die pin cavity that intersects the release button hole. The die release button can be actuatable from either of the opposing ends to retract the die pin from the die cavity.