Hot Press Pin Control via Hydraulic Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art hot forging presses face challenges in controlling the movement, speed, and force of pins during the forging process, leading to complex and costly kinematic mechanisms, and lack of optimization in producing metallic pieces with cavities, relying on operator experience and excessive power.

Innovation Solution

A press with independently controlled axes for each pin, using electric motors for precise control of travel, speed, and force, allowing coordinated movement with the mould, and enabling automated control through software for improved precision and quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If complex kinematic mechanisms are used to control pin movement, then pin control capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepin control capabilityVSAvoidkinematic mechanisms complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical kinematic chains with a hydraulic actuation system. Each pin is independently controlled by a hydraulic actuator that converts hydraulic pressure into linear motion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and motion conversion mechanisms while maintaining precise control capability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the pin control system into independent segments, where each pin has its own dedicated hydraulic actuator. This segmentation allows each pin to be controlled independently without requiring complex coordinated mechanical mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while improving control flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If hydraulic actuators are used for each pin, then pin movement control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepin movement controlVSAvoidactuator system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a common hydraulic power source and control system that serves all pins simultaneously. The hydraulic pump, reservoir, and control valves are shared resources that can actuate any or all pins as needed, reducing the number of separate actuation systems required while maintaining independent pin control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the hydraulic control functions into a unified system where multiple pins are controlled through a shared hydraulic circuit. The control valves are integrated into a common manifold structure, and the hydraulic fluid distribution network serves all actuators, reducing overall system complexity compared to completely independent actuation systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If complex linkages are used to move pins, then pin positioning is achieved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepin positioning accuracyVSAvoidlinkage system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical linkage systems with direct hydraulic actuation. The hydraulic actuators provide precise positioning through controlled fluid pressure and flow, achieving accurate pin positioning without the complexity of mechanical linkages, joints, and motion transmission mechanisms

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If operator experience is relied upon for pin control, then operational flexibility is maintained, but productivity and precision are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the hydraulic control system that monitor pin position, actuator pressure, and system parameters. This feedback enables automated control algorithms to adjust hydraulic valve positioning and actuator operation in real-time, achieving precise pin control and optimized forging processes without relying on operator experience while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 allows for precise control of pin movements, reducing mechanical wear, improving finish quality, and enabling automatic operation, leading to more efficient and cost-effective production of metallic pieces with cavities.

Implementation Method 1

Each pin is constrained to a piston of a hydraulic actuator, intended to control the movement of the pin by means of the passage of oil under pressure in two oil chambers.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

at least one pin is operated individually through an independent controlled axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentEP2370216B1Method and apparatus for hot press working metal pieces with one or more cavities
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 AUTOMAZIONI INDALI
  • EP2370216B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2370216B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a press for producing metallic pieces having one or more cavities, by billet press forging, wherein every single billet is placed in a closable mould (not disclosed) and one or more pins (16) are introduced into the billet body to deform it in the mould. To optimize operations, the inserting movement of one or more single pins (16) is controlled in its travel length, speed and feed force and in operating times, individually and coordinately with the movement of one or more pins (16) and the mould closing movement, the control being carried out according to the final piece configuration.