Flexure Bearing Connecting Webs for Sheet Metal Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for machining sheet metal parts do not effectively maintain a defined position between partially separated workpiece parts during additional machining operations, leading to inaccuracies and control issues due to permanent deformation of connecting webs.
Innovation Solution
The creation of flexure bearings as connecting webs made from the workpiece material, which allow for elastic deformation and automatic resetting to the initial position, enabling relative movability and maintaining a defined position between workpiece parts during machining, using methods like laser cutting, punching, or water jet cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If connecting webs are used to connect workpiece parts to the skeleton, then the workpiece parts can be handled as a unit and maintained in position, but the connecting webs undergo permanent deformation and cannot return to their initial position after additional machining operations
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting web is designed with specific geometric parameters (reduced bending stiffness through optimized cross-section and length) that enable elastic deformation within a usable range, allowing it to function as a spring element that returns to its initial position after machining operations
2Ease of manufacture
If the area across which sheet metal parts extend is reduced during forming, then the micro-joints are lengthened and plastically deformed, but the gap between the formed sheet metal parts and the skeleton becomes permanently greater
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting web parameters (bending stiffness, length, cross-section) are optimized to provide sufficient elasticity for position recovery while maintaining adequate strength and connectivity during the forming process, enabling both ease of handling and position accuracy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures accurate and controlled additional machining operations by maintaining the initial position of workpiece parts, reducing positional inaccuracies and facilitating sequential machining processes through the spring-like behavior of the connecting webs.
Implementation Method 1
the two workpiece parts are movable relative to one another with elastic deformation of the connecting web against the action of a re-storing force
Data Source
AI summary
In the context of a method for the separating machining of plate-like work-pieces from an elastically deformable material, in particular for the separating machining of sheet metal, two workpiece parts are separated from one another, in that the two workpiece parts are initially partially separated from one another, so as to produce at least one connecting web connecting the two workpiece parts to one another, and in that the two workpiece parts are then separated from one another completely by re-moving the connection created by the connecting web. The at least one connecting web is created as a flexure bearing in this case that connects the two workpiece parts to one another in such a manner that the two workpiece parts are movable relative to one another with elastic deformation of the connecting web against the action of a restoring force.