Hydraulic Press Tool Actuation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing press-driven tool actuation systems are either bulky and require precise alignment for mechanical cams or too bulky for small space applications with hydraulic cams, lacking a compact and flexible solution for transverse tool motion in metal forming processes.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically-operated press-driven tool actuation system featuring a hydraulic power device with a pump and accumulator, including a pressure relief valve and check valve, which allows for compact design, high tooling forces, and resistance to side thrust and torsional forces, eliminating the need for nitrogen gas accumulators and pumps, and enabling visual oil level monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanically actuated cams are used, then transverse tool motion is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and requires highly precise component alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cam system with a hydraulically actuated system. Instead of using mechanical cams that require precise alignment and create bulky structures, the invention uses hydraulic cylinders and fluid pressure to achieve the same transverse tool motion. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages and reduces both the device size and alignment requirements while maintaining the functional capability of converting press closing motion into transverse tool motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly applies hydraulic actuation to replace mechanical cam mechanisms. Hydraulic cylinders filled with fluid are used to convert the vertical pressing motion into horizontal transverse motion through fluid pressure transmission. This approach provides smooth motion control, reduces mechanical complexity, and eliminates the bulky structure associated with traditional mechanical cams while achieving the desired tool actuation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulically actuated cams are used, then simplicity and flexibility are improved, but the device becomes too bulky for small space applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a compact hydraulic system where components are nested within each other to minimize overall device volume. The hydraulic cylinders are positioned within the press structure, and fluid passages are integrated into the housing. The system nests the accumulator, pump, and control valves in a space-efficient arrangement that fits within small spaces while maintaining full hydraulic functionality and flexibility for various tool actuation applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reconfigures the hydraulic system to utilize vertical space and three-dimensional arrangement rather than extending horizontally. By positioning hydraulic components vertically within the press structure and using compact cylindrical actuators, the system achieves high flexibility and adaptability without increasing the horizontal footprint, making it suitable for small space applications.
3Force
If traditional hydraulic systems with nitrogen gas accumulators are used, then high force is achieved, but the system complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the nitrogen gas accumulator and nitrogen gas pump rod return components from the hydraulic system. By removing these complex and costly components, the system achieves high tooling force through a simplified hydraulic design that uses only essential elements such as hydraulic cylinders, fluid pressure, and basic control valves. This extraction reduces system complexity, manufacturing cost, and maintenance requirements while maintaining the necessary force output for tool actuation.
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
The system provides a low-profile, compact, and flexible tool actuation with high force efficiency, resistance to side thrust and torsional forces, and a long service life, suitable for various orientations and tooling applications without the need for nitrogen gas components, while being simple, economical, and durable.
Implementation Method 1
a pump including a piston disposed in a pump cylinder for pressurizing hydraulic fluid therein
Implementation Method 2
An accumulator is in fluid communication with the pump cylinder, and includes a piston disposed in an accumulator cylinder that houses hydraulic fluid on one side of the piston
Implementation Method 3
The body includes a pressure relief valve downstream of the pump cylinder and upstream of the accumulator cylinder
Implementation Method 4
The body includes a check valve downstream of the accumulator cylinder and upstream of the pump cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulically-operated press-driven tool actuation system includes a press-driven hydraulic power device and/or a hydraulically-powered tool actuator. In the tool actuator, at least two pistons are carried by a housing, and at least one return device is carried by the housing laterally inboard of the pistons. In the power device, a pump includes a piston disposed in a pump cylinder for pressurizing hydraulic fluid therein. An accumulator is in fluid communication with the pump cylinder, and includes a piston disposed in an accumulator cylinder that houses hydraulic fluid on one side of the piston. A body supports the pump and accumulator thereon and is in fluid communication between the pump and accumulator cylinders. The body includes a pressure relief valve downstream of the pump cylinder and upstream of the accumulator cylinder, and a check valve downstream of the accumulator cylinder and upstream of the pump cylinder.