Interleaved Panel Die for Tool-Free Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dies require tools and shims for adjustment, which is time-consuming and may not always have the necessary parts available, limiting their adaptability for different forming operations and workpiece sizes.
Innovation Solution
A die design featuring interleaved supports with grooved surfaces and coupling components that allow for secure adjustment without tools, enabling easy reconfiguration of the die's opening size by interlocking panels and spacers, and securing to an underlying surface using toothed surfaces and notches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tools and shims are used to adjust the die, then the die can be adjusted for different forming operations, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and requires additional parts that may not always be available
Solution Approach 1:
The die is divided into multiple adjustable panels (first panel, second panel, third panel, fourth panel) that can be independently positioned. Each panel can be moved to different locations to create varying opening sizes, eliminating the need for external adjustment tools and shims while providing quick, tool-free adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed to nest within each other or interlock in a nested configuration. The first panel can be positioned within the second panel, and the third panel within the fourth panel, allowing compact storage and quick reconfiguration without requiring additional adjustment parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tools and shims are used to adjust the die, then the opening size can be changed, but additional parts are required which may not always be available or on-hand
Solution Approach 1:
The panels serve multiple functions: they form the structural body of the die, provide the adjustable opening boundaries, and act as the adjustment mechanism itself. By making the panels themselves adjustable rather than using separate shims or tools, the die achieves versatility without increasing the number of required parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is merged with the die structure itself. The panels are integrated into the die body and can be directly repositioned without requiring external adjustment components. This merging eliminates the need for separate shims, tools, or other adjustment parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the die structure is made adjustable with multiple panels, then adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are designed to nest within each other when not in use, with the first panel fitting within the second panel and the third panel within the fourth panel. This nested arrangement reduces the overall footprint and simplifies the appearance of the die while maintaining the capability for multiple configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed with asymmetric features including gaps of varying sizes between adjacent panels. The first gap, second gap, third gap, and fourth gap have different dimensions, allowing for a wide range of opening configurations while using a relatively simple four-panel structure rather than requiring symmetric, equally-sized panels.
Data Source
AI summary
A die including a first support having a plurality of panels with adjacent ones of the panels defining a gap therebetween, and a second support having a plurality of panels with adjacent ones of the panels defining a gap therebetween. The first and second supports are configured to be interleaved by positioning at least one panel of each support within one of the gaps of the other support. The first and second supports are positionable in an interleaved configuration in a plurality of different positions relative to each other. The die further includes a coupling component configured to engage at least one of the supports to couple the at least one support to an underlying surface when the first and second supports are in one of the plurality of different positions.