Handheld Forming Tool Integrating Bending and Shearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming metal work pieces, such as sheet metal, often require separate operations for bending and cutting, which can be impractical in certain environments and time-consuming, especially when large punch dies are not available.
Innovation Solution
A handheld forming tool that integrates a forming portion with a die and a shearing plate, allowing for simultaneous bending and cutting of metal work pieces by pivoting the tool between open and closed positions to shape the metal into desired forms and sever it from residual material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate operations are used for bending and cutting metal work pieces, then each operation can be performed with dedicated tools, but the total operation time increases and multiple tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bending and cutting operations into a single handheld tool. The forming portion with die and shearing plate integrates both bending (through the die) and cutting (through the shearing plate) functions, allowing simultaneous performance of both operations on metal work pieces like sheet metal, brackets, and clips in one step
2Ease of operation
If large punch dies are used for bending operations, then bending can be accomplished, but the tool becomes impractical for field use and requires additional cutting tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the forming tool into removable components including the forming portion, die, and shearing plate. This modular design allows the tool to be disassembled for portability while maintaining full functionality when assembled, making it suitable for field use without requiring large fixed punch dies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines bending and cutting operations into a single handheld tool. The forming portion with die and shearing plate integrates both bending (through the die) and cutting (through the shearing plate) functions, allowing simultaneous performance of both operations on metal work pieces like sheet metal, brackets, and clips in one step
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 solution reduces operation time by combining bending and cutting into a single step, enhances tool flexibility through removable components, and accommodates various metal work piece materials and thicknesses, making it more practical for field use.
Implementation Method 1
a first arm member (12) having a handle portion (14) and a forming portion (16)... a second arm member (18) having a handle portion (20) and a die portion (22)... allowing for simultaneous bending and cutting of metal work pieces by pivoting the tool between open and closed positions
Implementation Method 2
The forming portion (16) includes a base (30), a pressure pad (32) and a bending member (34)... The die portion (22) includes a die body (44)... allowing... to sever it from residual material
Data Source
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AI summary
A forming tool (10) includes a first arm member (12) having a forming portion (16) that includes a base (30) that is connected to a pressure pad (32) and a bending member (34). The tool (10) also includes a second arm member (18) pivotally connected to the first arm member (12). The second arm member (18) includes a die portion (22). The forming portion (16) and the die portion (22) translate between an open and a closed position in response to a force applied to handles (14), (20) of the first and second arm members (12), (28). The die portion (22) includes a die body (44) having a slot (46) and a bending channel (48). The slot (46) is complementary to the pressure pad (32) and the bending channel (48) is complementary to the bending member (34). The tool (10) further includes a shearing plate (72) that is arranged so as to cut a work piece (82) that has been inserted into the slot (46).