Multi-Punch Assembly With Tool-Free Retainer and Die Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-punch assemblies in punch presses face challenges such as the need for special tooling, difficulty in disassembly and adjustment, potential for inactive punches to strike the ram or mark the workpiece, and stress on die carriers due to impact forces.
Innovation Solution
A multiple punch and die assembly that allows for easy removal and adjustment of punches without tools, using a rotatable punch holder with independently movable punches and a manually operated punch-retaining member to prevent accidental strikes and distribute die support for reduced stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multiple punch assembly uses standard tooling with thick turret style tooling, then compatibility with standard equipment is improved, but the complexity of disassembly and adjustment increases due to requiring special construction
Solution Approach 1:
The punch assembly is divided into modular components including a punch holder, individual punches, and a retainer mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be independently removed and adjusted without requiring disassembly of the entire assembly, thereby reducing the complexity of maintenance while maintaining compatibility with standard thick turret tooling.
2Strength
If a multiple punch assembly requires wrenches or other tools to remove strikers, gears, and connected components, then structural integrity is maintained, but the time and effort for servicing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The punch assembly incorporates a manual retainer mechanism that can be operated without external tools. The operator can directly release and remove punches by manipulating the retainer, eliminating the need for wrenches or specialized tools. This self-service capability significantly reduces servicing time while maintaining structural integrity through the designed retainer-punch engagement system.
3Ease of operation
If inactive punches are allowed to move freely during rapid indexing, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of punches striking the ram or workpiece increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism is designed to preemptively secure all punches in a predetermined safe position before indexing operations begin. By establishing this preliminary protective state, the system prevents inactive punches from moving into harmful positions during rapid indexing, thereby eliminating the risk of accidental strikes while maintaining smooth operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The punches are pre-positioned and secured by the retainer mechanism before the indexing operation commences. This preliminary positioning ensures that all punches are in known, safe locations prior to movement, preventing any accidental strikes during the dynamic indexing process while allowing for efficient operation.
4Device complexity
If unused punches are positioned close to the workpiece for compact design, then device complexity is reduced, but the tendency to mark or score the workpiece increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of inactive punches potentially marking the workpiece is extracted and isolated by implementing a retainer mechanism that physically separates or secures inactive punches away from the workpiece surface. This extraction of the harmful interaction allows for compact punch assembly design while preventing workpiece damage.
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
Enables fast and tool-free servicing of punches, prevents damage from inactive punches and reduces stress on die carriers, thereby improving operational safety and efficiency in high-speed punch presses.
Implementation Method 1
springs mounted between the tool holder and the punch carrier such that upper ends thereof are exposed above an upper end of the punch assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5
AI summary
A multiple punch and multiple die assembly has a workpiece protector comprising a punch lifter that is operatively associated with each punch for supporting each of the punches in an inactive position as an active punch is moved by the ram to the active, i.e. operating position to thereby eliminate scoring or marking of the sheet material or other workpiece that is being punched. To eliminate the need for hand tools and hand assembly or disassembly, a manually moveable retainer on the punch assembly is provided that can be moved by hand between a punch-releasing and punch-retaining position for holding the punches within the multi-punch assembly during operation. To prevent stress fractures that formerly occurred in die carriers, support of each die is distributed between two different die components thereby reducing impact stress on the carrier as the ram drives the punch through the workpiece.