Guided Keeper Assembly with Interlocking Flanges for Die Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current metal forming dies are labor-intensive and costly to design, manufacture, and repair due to their custom nature, requiring precise machining and long lead times, with components often loosening and causing damage.
Innovation Solution
A guided keeper assembly with a base and interlocking mounting flanges that securely align and retain die members, using snap-on flanges and a guide pin to facilitate easy assembly and prevent loosening, reducing the need for complex machining and minimizing production time and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom-designed and handcrafted components are used in metal forming dies, then the die can be precisely tailored for specific parts, but the design, manufacture, and repair costs increase substantially along with labor intensity and lead time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a modular keeper assembly that can be used across multiple die applications. The base member with standardized mounting features and the interchangeable retaining members create a universal system that reduces custom machining requirements while maintaining precision fit for specific part requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The keeper assembly is segmented into distinct modular components: a base member with mounting features, removable retaining members, and interchangeable keeping members. This segmentation allows individual components to be manufactured separately with standard precision, reducing overall labor intensity while maintaining assembly precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom-designed and handcrafted components are used in metal forming dies, then the die can be precisely tailored for specific parts, but the lead time for making, testing, and setup increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The modular keeper assembly components are designed and prepared in advance as interchangeable parts. The base member includes pre-configured mounting features, and retaining members are designed for quick installation, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site machining and fitting during die assembly and setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal modular design allows the same base member and retaining member components to be used across different die applications, reducing lead time by eliminating the need to custom-machine components for each specific die setup while maintaining precise fit requirements.
3Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used for die components, then components can be securely retained, but the risk of loosening and causing damage to the die set and press increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining members are designed to be removable and interchangeable, allowing for dynamic adjustment and replacement. This enables operators to inspect, maintain, and replace retaining members as needed, ensuring continuous secure retention and preventing loosening that could lead to damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables easy inspection and replacement of retaining members by operators without requiring specialized tools or extensive disassembly. This self-service capability ensures that retaining components can be promptly maintained or replaced if signs of loosening appear, preventing damage to the die set and press.
4Ease of manufacture
If modular components with snap-on mounting flanges are used, then the complexity of die construction is reduced and costs are lowered, but the retention security must be ensured to prevent loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into a base member with mounting flanges and separate removable retaining members. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing and assembly while the retaining members provide secure retention through threaded fastening, balancing ease of manufacture with reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base member with standardized mounting flanges serves as a universal component that can accommodate different retaining members for various applications. This universal design simplifies construction while the interchangeable retaining members ensure secure retention specific to each application's requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A guided keeper assembly and related method includes a cylindrical base that mounts to a die member using a multi-piece, interlocking flange. The flanges have outer fastener holes and inner arcuate walls that matingly engage a complimentary profile on the outer surface of the base to axially interconnect the same. The flanges also have male and female end connectors which snap lock together around the base in an assembled condition. Mounting screws pass through the fastener holes in the flanges and are anchored in the die member to securely retain the guided keeper assembly in place. A retainer ring is mounted in an associated groove in the base over the heads of the screws to prevent unintentional unfastening of the screws from the die member.