Dual-Action Die Retainer for One-Motion Die Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crimping and cutting tools lack an efficient mechanism for easily removing and reinserting dies, which complicates the process and requires multiple motions or limited accessibility.
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 reinsertion of dies with a single motion by utilizing a slot with sloped surfaces and a biasing element like a spring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional die retention mechanism is used, then the die is securely held in the crimping head, but the die removal and reinsertion process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The die pin is segmented into distinct functional portions: a button engaging portion with a head for actuation, and a die engaging portion with a tip for die retention. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function while simplifying the overall release mechanism to a single-motion button press operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism inverts the traditional approach by using a button press action to trigger die pin retraction. Instead of requiring complex manual manipulation to remove the die, the system uses a simple pushing motion that automatically actuates the die pin through the slot, enabling easy die removal and reinsertion.
2Ease of operation
If a simple release button is used, then the operation is simplified, but the die pin cannot be reliably retained in the locked position
Solution Approach 1:
The slot acts as an intermediary element between the button and the die pin. The sloped surfaces of the slot guide the button engaging portion of the die pin during actuation, ensuring reliable translation of the button press motion into die pin retraction while maintaining secure retention in the locked position through the slot's geometric constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The die pin's button engaging portion is designed to automatically interact with the slot's sloped surfaces when the button is pressed. This self-service mechanism ensures that the die pin reliably retracts and locks into position without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, maintaining both simplicity and reliability.
3Reliability
If the die pin extends fully into the die cavity for secure engagement, then the die is firmly retained, but the release mechanism becomes harder to actuate
Solution Approach 1:
The die pin is designed to extend in multiple dimensions: the die engaging portion extends into the die cavity for secure retention, while the button engaging portion extends through the slot to the outer surface for actuation. This multi-dimensional configuration allows the die pin to simultaneously provide secure engagement and accessible release without increasing actuation force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The button engaging portion is extracted as a separate functional element from the die engaging portion. This extracted portion can be actuated independently through the slot, allowing the die pin to be released without requiring force proportional to its full engagement depth, thereby easing the release operation while maintaining secure retention.
Data Source
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.