Modular Tool Plane for Powder Press
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powder press systems require lengthy and physically demanding tool changes, leading to increased stoppage times and high investment costs due to the need for multiple tool replacements and complex adjustments, especially when using adapter-like systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular tool change system where tool planes are configured in multiple parts, with a carrying element and push-in elements that remain in the press, allowing for simplified tool changes by retaining connections and eliminating the need for elaborate adjustments, using a drawer-like mechanism and actuators for easy positioning and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adapter-like press devices are used for tool changes, then tool replacement capability is improved, but investment costs and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The tool plane is divided into a first part (carrying element with receptacle) and a second part (push-in element) that can be separated. The carrying element remains in the press while the push-in element can be quickly exchanged, enabling tool replacement without replacing the entire tool plane or adapter system.
Solution Approach 2:
The push-in element is extracted as a separate, removable component from the tool plane. This allows the tool-specific components to be removed and replaced independently from the main tool plane structure, simplifying the tool change process and reducing the complexity of the overall system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual tools are dismantled and replaced one by one, then tool flexibility is improved, but conversion time and stoppage time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tool components (punch carrier, supporting device, guide systems) are merged into a single integrated push-in element that can be replaced as one unit. This allows all tool-specific components to be changed simultaneously rather than individually, significantly reducing conversion time while maintaining tool flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The push-in element can be prepared and assembled outside the press before the tool change is needed. This preliminary preparation allows the actual tool change inside the press to be completed quickly by simply inserting the pre-assembled element, minimizing stoppage time.
3Volume of moving object
If tool planes are arranged above one another in the press, then vertical space utilization is improved, but adjustment complexity and risk of tilting increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying element provides self-aligning features through its receptacle geometry and guide elements that automatically position the push-in element correctly during insertion. This self-service positioning eliminates the need for complex manual adjustments and reduces the risk of tilting, while maintaining efficient vertical arrangement of tool planes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If heavy tools are replaced overhead, then tool variety capability is improved, but physical demand on operating personnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
A tool carrier serves as an intermediary device that holds multiple push-in elements and facilitates their transfer to the press. This intermediary system allows operating personnel to work at a convenient location rather than overhead, reducing physical demand while maintaining the ability to replace various tool types.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a press device (100) for a powder press (1) for producing pellets from a compressible material, wherein the powder press (1) comprises a press frame (2) that has an upper and a lower frame portion, an upper and/or lower punch arrangement (3) which each comprise a tool, and a die arrangement (4), which define a mold cavity into which the compressible material is introducible, and a drive unit (5) that is operatively connected to the punch arrangement (3) and/or the die arrangement (4), wherein, in order to form the pellet, the upper and/or lower punch arrangement (3) and the die arrangement (4) are movable relative to one another along a pressing axis (6) by means of the drive unit (5) and are able to be pressed against one another. The press device (100) has multiple tool planes (10) that are arranged above one another, which each comprise a carrying element (12) and a push-in element (50) that is able to be received on the carrying element (12) and arrested, on which at least one of the tools is receivable.