Integral Die Guard Assembly for Reorientable Sheet Metal Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional metal fastening die assemblies have redundant components and a larger size, making it difficult to access workpieces with complex shapes and requiring separate reorientation of die shields and retainers, which complicates assembly and reduces accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A single-piece die guard with an integral die shield and retainer section, allowing for a low-height, small-lateral-size design with a reorientable anvil without reorienting the die shield, and featuring a projecting peripheral structure for easy access and assembly, reducing the number of parts and enhancing multi-functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate die shield and retainer components are used, then the die assembly can be assembled and maintained, but the height and lateral size increase making workpiece access difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece accessibilityVSAvoiddie assembly height

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the die shield and retainer into a single integral component called a die guard. This merging eliminates the need for separate die shield and retainer parts, reducing the overall height and lateral size of the die assembly while maintaining all necessary functions for securing the anvil and providing structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integral die guard performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the die shield (protective enclosure) and the retainer (mounting structure for the anvil). This multi-functionality eliminates redundant components and reduces the overall size of the assembly, improving access to workpieces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If separate die shield and retainer components are used, then the components can be manufactured independently, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent manufacturingVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The die shield and retainer are merged into a single integral die guard component. While this requires manufacturing a more complex single part, it eliminates the need for multiple separate parts, reducing assembly complexity and the number of fasteners and interfaces required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The die guard is designed with integrated features that segment its functions internally (shielding portion and retainer portion with mounting features) while remaining a single manufacturable component, allowing for optimized manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the die shield is reoriented to change anvil orientation, then the anvil orientation can be changed, but the die shield and retainer must be reoriented together adding complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanvil reorientation capabilityVSAvoidreorientation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The die guard is designed with a rotating anvil mechanism that is independent of the die guard's orientation. The anvil can rotate within the die guard housing, allowing orientation changes without requiring the entire die guard assembly to be reoriented or disassembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anvil is designed with rotational capability within the fixed die guard structure. This dynamic feature allows the anvil to change orientation while the die guard remains stationary, simplifying the reorientation process and reducing the complexity of the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of repair

If multiple separate components are used, then individual parts can be replaced, but the overall assembly strength and durability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent replacementVSAvoidassembly strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The die guard provides a unified structural framework that strengthens the overall assembly by eliminating interfaces between separate die shield and retainer components. The integral construction eliminates potential weak points at joints and fasteners while maintaining the ability to replace internal components like the anvil.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11446726B2Metal fastening die assembly

Publication Date: 2022.09.20 BTM COMPANY

AI summary

A metal fastening or joining apparatus is provided. In another aspect, a single piece die guard includes an integral die shield section and an integral retainer section, wherein a die anvil can be removed, and the die shield section has a low height and a small lateral square width. A further aspect employs a generally square peripheral shape for a die shield within which is an anvil and movable die blades, which are operable to fasten or join sheet metal workpieces together in an interlocking manner. In still another aspect, a projecting and/or peripheral orientation structure is on a backside of a workpiece fastening die assembly which allows for anvil reorientation without the need to also reorient a laterally surrounding die shield and retainer.