Apparatus for forming, shaping, and planishing a workpiece
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for modifying sheet metal through incremental forming, shaping, and planishing face challenges due to complex articulation requirements, which result in expensive, time-consuming, and low-quality processes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a frame with two units, each equipped with a tool that can rotate and translate along a longitudinal axis, allowing simultaneous and synchronized motion of the tools to modify sheet metal efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex articulation of the workpiece is used to achieve target geometry, then the workpiece can be modified to desired shape, but the process becomes expensive and time-consuming with negative impact on quality and fidelity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of articulating the workpiece to achieve target geometry, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the workpiece stationary and articulating the tools. The tools are mounted on movable carriers that can rotate and translate independently, allowing the tools themselves to achieve the complex motions needed for forming, shaping, and planishing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the modification process into multiple independent tool-carrier units, each capable of independent motion control. Each carrier can rotate about the longitudinal axis and translate along it, allowing segmented control of different tool positions and orientations to achieve complex geometries without complex workpiece articulation.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex articulation techniques are used to modify sheet metal, then target geometry can be achieved, but the process becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The tool carriers can rotate and translate continuously and simultaneously, enabling uninterrupted modification of the workpiece. This continuous motion capability eliminates the need for stopping and repositioning, significantly reducing cycle time while maintaining precision target geometry achievement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic, independently controlled tool carriers that can rotate and translate along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic positioning capability allows the tools to adapt their positions and orientations in real-time, achieving target geometries more efficiently than static or pre-programmed articulation systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex articulation of the workpiece is used, then target geometry can be achieved, but constraints from reach, collision with equipment, and tool geometry limit feasibility
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the approach and making the tools movable rather than the workpiece, the system eliminates reach and collision constraints associated with articulating the workpiece. The tool carriers can be positioned independently along the longitudinal axis, providing greater adaptability for various tool geometries and workpiece configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds rotational and translational degrees of freedom to the tool carriers along the longitudinal axis, creating a multi-dimensional positioning capability. This allows tools to access different positions and orientations without the constraints of traditional workpiece articulation, enhancing feasibility for various feature geometries.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a frame comprising a first portion and a second portion spaced axially from the first portion along a longitudinal axis. The apparatus further including a first tool coupled to the first portion and configured to rotate about and translate along the longitudinal axis and a second tool coupled to the second portion and configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis.