Pressure Forming Tool for Sheet Metal Connecting Web Detachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for pressure forming connecting webs in sheet metal processing lack force-dependent control, leading to inefficient detachment and potential damage during handling.

Innovation Solution

A forming tool with a portal-like first tool part and a second tool part with a continuously flat contact surface, allowing for force-dependent control of the machining stroke and enabling easy release of connecting webs after pressure forming, while minimizing material residue on workpieces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the connecting web is dimensioned sufficiently large to prevent breaking during handling, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the ease of detachment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddetachment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting web is divided into two regions with different cross-sectional dimensions: a first region with larger cross-section for reliable connection during handling, and a second region with reduced cross-section for easy detachment. This segmentation allows the same component to satisfy both contradictory requirements at different locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the connecting web are given different local properties: the first region maintains original dimensions for strength, while the second region has reduced dimensions for easy breaking. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall reliability and localized ease of detachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If a forming tool with chamfered punch tip and die recess is used to reduce connecting web cross-section, then the detachment ease is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachment easeVSAvoidtool structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the essential forming action needed to create the reduced cross-section region, eliminating the need for complex chamfered punch tips and die recesses. The forming tool applies pressure to reduce the cross-section of the connecting web in the second region without requiring the complicated structural features of prior art tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If the forming punch is moved close to the bearing surface to reduce connecting web thickness, then the manufacturing precision of cross-section reduction is improved, but the risk of damage to workpiece parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross-section reduction precisionVSAvoidworkpiece damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The forming process is designed to reduce the cross-section of the connecting web in the second region before final separation occurs. This preliminary action creates the weakened region that will later break easily, while the controlled forming distance prevents damage to the workpiece parts during the forming operation.

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

Enables precise control over the pressure forming process, allowing for efficient detachment of connecting webs with minimal residual material on workpieces, enhancing handling and reducing tool wear.

Implementation Method 1

the connecting web is compressed, reducing its thickness, between the forming punch and the forming die

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the connecting web is bent over an edge formed on the forming die by the bearing surface and a lateral boundary surface of the die recess

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasticity: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3088097B1Devices and method for the pressure forming of connector bridges between parts of a board-shaped workpiece
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 TRUMPF WERKZEUGMASCHINEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3088097B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3088097B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3088097B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

A forming tool (13) for pressure forming a connecting web (23) between incompletely separated workpiece parts (18, 20) of a machined plate-like workpiece, in particular a sheet (15), comprises two tool parts which, during pressure forming of the connecting web (23), are assigned to opposite sides of the connecting web (23) along a stroke axis (14). A first of the tool parts has a forming element (24), and the second tool part (12) is provided with a bearing surface (27) extending transversely to the stroke axis (14) and facing the free end of the first tool part. The bearing surface (27) of the second tool part (12) is designed as a continuously flat surface.During the pressure forming of the connecting web (23), the bearing surface (27) of the second tool part (12) faces the forming element (24) of the first tool part along the stroke axis (14) with a surface area that is aligned with the remaining bearing surface (27) of the second tool part (12) in the transverse direction of the stroke axis (14). A pressure forming process for a connecting web (23) is carried out using the forming tool (13). This pressure forming process for a connecting web (23) is part of a process for machining plate-like workpieces, in particular for machining sheet metal (15), and also part of a process for machining plate-like workpieces, in particular for machining sheet metal (15), in which, in addition to the machining, further workpiece machining, in particular edge machining, is carried out.