Floating Element Apparatus for Reaction Force Cancellation in Plastic Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools for plastic deformation require large and heavy feedback elements to manage reaction forces, making them incompatible with automatic piece transfer machines that need compact processing stations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a floating element that supports punches to absorb reaction forces, eliminating the need for ground-discharged feedback elements, allowing for a smaller machine tool that can integrate with automatic transfer systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional feedback elements are used to discharge reaction forces to the ground, then the machine tool can perform plastic deformation machining, but the machine tool size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a floating element as an intermediary between the punches and the ground. This floating element receives reaction forces from both punches simultaneously and allows them to cancel each other out, eliminating the need for heavy feedback elements that directly discharge forces to the ground. The floating element acts as a mediator that enables force cancellation without requiring direct ground connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful reaction forces that normally need to be discharged to the ground into a beneficial cancellation effect. By positioning punches on opposite sides of the workpiece with their forces directed toward each other, the reaction forces are made to oppose each other and cancel out on the floating element, transforming a problem (force discharge requirement) into a solution (force cancellation).
2Force
If traditional feedback elements are used to manage reaction forces, then plastic deformation machining is possible, but the machine tool occupies excessive space incompatible with automatic transfer machines
Solution Approach 1:
The floating element serves as an intermediary that enables reaction force cancellation without requiring extensive feedback structures. This intermediary approach allows the machine tool to maintain compact dimensions suitable for automatic transfer machines while still performing plastic deformation machining that generates significant reaction forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the problematic reaction forces into a space-saving solution by having them cancel each other out on the floating element. This conversion eliminates the need for large feedback elements, reducing the machine tool's footprint to a size compatible with compact automatic transfer machine configurations.
3Reliability
If heavy feedback elements are used for punches of important dimensions, then the punching operation is stable, but integration with automatic piece transfer machines becomes incompatible
Solution Approach 1:
The floating element acts as an intermediary that maintains punching operation stability without requiring heavy feedback elements. By enabling reaction force cancellation, it provides the stability needed for reliable punching while reducing the structural mass that would otherwise prevent integration with automatic piece transfer machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the stability-providing function of heavy feedback elements into a lighter solution through force cancellation. The reaction forces that create instability are made to cancel each other out on the floating element, providing punching stability without the weight and size that would compromise adaptability to automatic transfer machines.
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
Enables the integration of plastic deformation technologies into compact automatic transfer machines by reducing the size and weight of the machine tool, facilitating multiple processing stations in limited spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the floating element is configured to receive the reaction forces arising from the operating of the compression forces which, being equal in modulus and orientation but opposite in direction, cancel on the floating element itself
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for mechanical machining by plastic deformation, comprising:a support unit configured to support a workpiece;a first and a second punch which are opposite and movable to and from the support unit along a direction of action to switch between an operating position in which they exert a pair of compression forces adapted to plastically deform the workpiece and a resting position in which they are spaced apart from the support unit, said pair of compression forces generating a pair of reaction forces opposite to themselves;actuation members adapted to control the movement of the first and the second punch to and from the support unit along a direction of action;a floating element adapted to support the first and the second punch from opposite sides of the support unit along the direction of action and configured to receive said reaction forces.