Interchangeable Punching Inserts With Eccentric Adapter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Punching machines require a large number of tool sets for machining sheets with different thicknesses and contours, leading to increased tooling efforts and expenses due to wear and tear of off-center axis stamps, which necessitate frequent replacement of expensive tool upper portions.

Innovation Solution

A modular tool system featuring a stamp adapter and tool upper portion with non-rotationally symmetrical counterbores and recesses allows for easy replacement and reorientation of interchangeable tool inserts, reducing retooling time and effort by accommodating various sheet thicknesses and contours without replacing the entire stamp shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If off-center axis stamps are used to machine sheets with different thicknesses and contours, then punching capability is improved, but tool wear increases and replacement frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepunching capabilityVSAvoidtool wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tool upper portion is segmented into a stamp shaft and a separate stamp adapter assembly. The stamp adapter holds the punching stamp and can be independently replaced, while the expensive stamp shaft is preserved. This segmentation allows the stamping component to be replaced without replacing the entire tool upper portion, reducing tool wear impact and replacement costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stamp adapter serves as an intermediary component between the stamp shaft and the punching stamp. It absorbs the wear and replacement needs, allowing the stamp to be changed without affecting the stamp shaft. The adapter includes a mounting device that facilitates easy replacement of stamps while maintaining a consistent interface with the stamp shaft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tool sets are used to machine sheets with different thicknesses and contours, then machining versatility is improved, but tooling effort and expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining versatilityVSAvoidtooling effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stamp adapter is designed with a universal mounting device that can accommodate multiple different punching stamps with various contours and sizes. The non-rotationally symmetrical counterbore and recess features enable the adapter to securely hold stamps in different orientations and configurations, allowing a single adapter to perform multiple punching functions that would otherwise require multiple dedicated tool sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic reconfiguration by enabling easy replacement of stamps in the stamp adapter. The mounting device facilitates quick changes between different stamp configurations, allowing the tool upper portion to adapt to different machining requirements without physical remounting or complex retooling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Duration of action of moving object

If stamps are reground to extend usage life, then duration of action is improved, but length of stamp shaft decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage lifeVSAvoidstamp shaft length

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The stamp adapter is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that compensates for length variations. When stamps are reground and become shorter, different thickness inlay plates can be inserted into the stamp adapter to maintain the required overall length, avoiding the need to replace the entire stamp shaft and preserving expensive tooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Productivity

If tool sets are pre-mounted to the punching machine, then productivity is improved, but size requirements for tool magazines increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepunching efficiencyVSAvoidtool magazine size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The stamp adapter serves as a universal holder that can accommodate multiple different stamp configurations. Instead of storing multiple complete tool sets in the tool magazine, the system stores a single stamp adapter with interchangeable stamps, reducing the volume required in the tool magazine while maintaining the ability to perform multiple punching operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9908254B2Tool system with interchangeable tool inserts for punching machines

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 TRUMPF WERKZEUGMASCHINEN GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A tool system is provided that has a stamp or punch adapter including eccentrically positioned stamp receptacles. This system permits a simple exchange of tool inserts in the stamp adapter. These tool inserts are also usable in another tool system. The system also permits combining the stamp adapter with a stamp shaft, which can also be used in another tool system. These features permit stamping (and punching) with minimal tooling and retooling efforts.