Interchangeable Die Insert-Rotate Locking for Automated Joining Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interchangeable dies for joining tools require complex and costly automated die changes, with traditional fastening methods weakening the die receiving portion and failing to provide reliable axial holding forces, making quick and secure die changes difficult.
Innovation Solution
An insert/rotate connection is established between the interchangeable die and the joining tool using a fastening contour with a blocking and release portion, allowing for automated die changes through a combination of axial insertion and rotational movements, ensuring secure locking and preventing accidental die removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transverse bore with grub screw is used for fastening the interchangeable die, then the die can be secured, but the die receiving portion is weakened structurally and automated die change becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from the die receiving portion by implementing it on the interchangeable die itself through the fastening contour. This eliminates the need for a transverse bore in the die receiving portion, thereby preserving its structural strength while still achieving reliable fastening through the contour engagement between the die and the joining tool.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing fastening means in the die receiving portion (traditional approach), the invention inverts the approach by providing the fastening contour on the interchangeable die itself. This reversal allows the die to actively engage with the joining tool through its own contour features, eliminating the need for weakening the die receiving portion.
2Reliability
If a transverse bore with grub screw is used for fastening the interchangeable die, then the die can be secured, but automated die change becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is extracted from the die receiving portion and relocated to the interchangeable die through the fastening contour. This simplification enables automated die changes by allowing the die to be quickly engaged and disengaged through contour matching, eliminating complex grub screw mechanisms and reducing automation costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable die serves itself by incorporating the fastening contour directly on its body. The contour automatically engages with the joining tool during insertion, providing self-fastening functionality that eliminates the need for separate fastening mechanisms and enables simple automated die changes.
3Force
If clamping means are provided in the die receiving portion, then axial securement is achieved, but automated die change remains difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing clamping means in the die receiving portion (traditional approach), the invention inverts the approach by implementing the fastening contour on the interchangeable die itself. This allows the die to actively engage with the joining tool through its own contour features, achieving both axial securement and automated die change capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable die provides its own fastening solution through the fastening contour, which automatically engages with the joining tool during insertion. This self-service mechanism achieves axial holding forces without requiring complex clamping means, enabling straightforward automated die changes.
4Extent of automation
If a fastening contour with blocking portion is used, then automated die change is enabled, but accidental die removal must be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening contour incorporates asymmetric features including blocking portions that prevent rotation in one direction while allowing controlled engagement. This asymmetry enables automated die changes through controlled rotational movement while preventing accidental die removal by blocking reverse rotation, thus maintaining both automation capability and retention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening contour employs dynamic engagement where the blocking portion allows controlled rotational movement during automated die change but provides mechanical locking in the final position. This dynamic mechanism enables automation while ensuring secure retention, as the contour transitions from a movable engagement state to a locked state that prevents accidental removal.
Data Source
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Figure 6~12
AI summary
Interchangeable die (10) for a joining tool (50), said interchangeable die having a die head (12) on which a die feature (18) is realized, and having a die shank (14) which extends from the die head (12) in an axial direction (16) and is insertable into a shank receptacle (54) of a die receiving portion (52) of a joining tool (50), wherein a fastening contour (30) is realized on the interchangeable die (10) for fastening the interchangeable die (10) on the joining tool (50). In this case, the fastening contour (30) is realized such that an insert/rotate connection can be set up between the interchangeable die (10) and the joining too (50).