Forming Device for Connection Protrusions on Reinforcement Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing connecting attachments on reinforcement elements, particularly with materials like AlMgSc, magnesium, or titanium, are costly and inefficient due to multiple process steps and difficulty in cold forming, which limits the use of these materials in composite structures.

Innovation Solution

A forming device utilizing a pressure wave generation system and a mask device with recesses to shape reinforcement elements, allowing for the creation of connecting lugs on materials previously difficult to form, such as AlMgSc, Mg, or Ti, by deforming them with magnetic pulses and cutting them to size in a single process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional welding or sintering methods are used to produce connecting attachments on reinforcement plates, then the connection attachments can be produced, but the production cost increases and multiple process steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of producing connecting attachmentsVSAvoidnumber of process steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines cutting and forming operations into a single punching process. The punch tool simultaneously cuts the reinforcement plate and forms the connecting attachments in one operation, eliminating the need for separate welding or sintering steps and reducing overall process complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces thermal joining methods (welding or sintering) with a cold forming mechanical process. By using a punch tool to directly form the connecting attachments through mechanical force, the need for thermal processes and associated equipment is eliminated

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If punching out is used to form connection lugs on materials like AlMgSc, magnesium or titanium, then the process is simpler, but these materials would tear during forming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidmaterial integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the forming parameters by using a progressive deformation approach with a specifically designed punch tool geometry. The punch tool features a gradual deformation zone that allows high-strength materials to be formed without exceeding their ductility limits, preventing tearing while maintaining process simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The punch tool is designed with different geometric features at different locations: a gradual deformation zone for forming the connecting attachments and a sharp cutting edge for clean separation. This local differentiation of tool geometry allows the material to be formed in one location without tearing while being cleanly cut in another location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If multiple process steps are used to produce connecting attachments, then the attachments can be created, but the production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to produce connecting attachmentsVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges cutting and forming operations into a single punching step. The punch tool performs both functions simultaneously during one tool pass, eliminating the need for sequential welding or sintering operations and significantly reducing production time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The punch tool is pre-designed with integrated cutting edges and forming surfaces that prepare and form the connecting attachments in one operation. The tool geometry is optimized in advance to perform multiple functions during a single pass through the reinforcement plate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method reduces production costs and time by enabling the formation of connecting attachments on high-strength materials that were previously challenging to shape, improving material choice and process efficiency while maintaining material integrity.

Implementation Method 1

at least one pressure wave generation device (18) for generating at least one pressure wave directed at a first broad side (44) of a reinforcement element (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure wave: Shock Wave

Implementation Method 2

The pressure wave generating device (18) is preferably formed with a coil device (32) with at least one coil (34). The reinforcing element (14) is advantageously deformed by a magnetic pulse.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic pulse: Magnetic Pulse Welding

Data Source

PatentEP2881191B1Forming device and method for producing connection protrusions
Publication Date: 2016.05.11 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE GMBH
  • EP2881191B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2881191B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2881191B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a forming device (10) for producing connection attachments (16) on reinforcing elements (14), comprising at least one pressure wave generating device (18) for generating at least one pressure wave directed towards a first broad side (44) of a reinforcing element (14), and a mask device (20) to be arranged on a second broad side (46) of the reinforcing element (14) opposite the first broad side (44), wherein the mask device (20) is formed with a forming block (30) which has recesses (28) formed for producing predetermined connection attachment shapes.