Floating Clamp Ring Assembly for Can Bottom Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing can bottom forming assemblies face challenges in maintaining even clamping force and alignment due to variations in punch and bottom former alignment, leading to potential misalignment and defects in can manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A clamp ring assembly with a floating clamp ring and a biasing assembly comprising a multifaceted compressible member and a slide ring, which provides stable positioning and increased resistive force to center the clamp ring and inner dome die, allowing for greater alignment flexibility and improved material flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed clamp ring assembly is used, then the structure is simple and rigid, but it cannot accommodate variations in punch location and maintains uneven clamping force
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp ring is transformed from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic floating structure that can move and self-adjust its position. The biasing assembly enables the clamp ring to float and respond to variations in punch location, maintaining even clamping force distribution throughout the forming process.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing assembly changes the operational parameters of the clamp ring by providing adjustable biasing force. This allows the clamp ring to maintain optimal clamping force distribution despite variations in punch location, effectively changing the force parameters dynamically during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp ring is made rigid and fixed, then the alignment control is simple, but it cannot accommodate misalignment between punch and bottom former
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp ring assembly incorporates dynamic elements including the floating clamp ring and biasing assembly that enable automatic adjustment and centering. This dynamic structure accommodates misalignment between punch and bottom former while maintaining proper clamping force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing assembly provides self-centering capability where the floating clamp ring automatically adjusts its position in response to misalignment. The system serves itself by using the applied force to generate the centering action without requiring external adjustment mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If a floating clamp ring with biasing assembly is used, then alignment flexibility and clamping force distribution are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing assembly modifies the force parameters applied by the clamp ring, enabling even clamping force distribution despite the increased structural complexity. This parameter control ensures high manufacturing precision for can bottom geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp ring assembly uses composite construction with the clamp ring, biasing assembly, and multiseal member working together as an integrated system. This composite structure achieves both the required precision and the necessary adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp ring is constrained to a fixed position, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot respond to variations in punch location
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp ring transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic floating position enabled by the biasing assembly. This allows the clamp ring to respond automatically to variations in punch location while maintaining proper clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing assembly acts as an intermediary between the fixed mounting structure and the floating clamp ring. It provides the necessary mechanical interface that enables the clamp ring to float and respond to punch variations while maintaining structural support.
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
The solution ensures a more evenly distributed clamping force, reduces sagging and misalignment, and increases manufacturing efficiency and quality by accommodating punch and bottom former misalignment, resulting in cans meeting desired specifications.
Implementation Method 1
The multiseal or formed compressible member has a cross-sectional configuration winch provides stable positioning of the slide ring and the multiseal member within the circumferential channel of the clamp ring
Implementation Method 2
A biasing assembly comprised of a multifaceted shaped compressible member or multiseal member and a cooperating slide ring are provided in a circumferential channel of the clamp ring for biasing or floating the clamp ring within a can bottom forming assembly
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 5
AI summary
A clamp ring assembly for use in a can bottom forming assembly comprising a clamp ring retainer, a clamp ring having a biasing assembly and an inner dome die. The clamp ring floats with, respect to the clamp ring retainer to accommodate off-center contact by the punch and to center the punch at the end of the ram stroke. A slightly conic-ally shaped inner dome die structure or dome plug may be provided to further center the punch at the end of the ram stroke.