Multipunch Axial Retainer for Fast Die Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing multiple punch and die assemblies require significant time and multiple fasteners for the removal and replacement of dies and strippers, leading to increased downtime and manufacturing costs, with existing solutions being either too expensive or lacking in adjustable retention force and uniform pressure application.
Innovation Solution
A multiple punch and die assembly that uses a central, concentrically positioned retaining member with a push plate secured by a single fastener to hold dies and strippers in place, allowing for easy removal and replacement by relieving pressure, and varying retention force through adjustable frictional engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate setscrews or fasteners are used to secure dies or strippers, then the retention force is sufficient to hold the parts in place, but the time required for removal and replacement increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate fasteners are merged into a single axial fastener that secures all dies or strippers simultaneously. The axial clamp assembly consolidates the function of multiple fasteners into one unified component that can be installed and removed in a single operation, eliminating the need to individually secure each die or stripper.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial clamp assembly serves multiple functions: it secures multiple dies or strippers simultaneously, applies uniform radial pressure to prevent movement, and can be adjusted to vary retention force. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required multiple separate fasteners and adjustment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If multiple separate setscrews or fasteners are used to secure dies or strippers, then the retention force is sufficient to hold the parts in place, but the manufacturing cost increases due to the number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate fasteners are merged into a single axial fastener that secures all dies or strippers simultaneously. The axial clamp assembly consolidates the function of multiple fasteners into one unified component that can be installed and removed in a single operation, eliminating the need to individually secure each die or stripper.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial clamp assembly serves multiple functions: it secures multiple dies or strippers simultaneously, applies uniform radial pressure to prevent movement, and can be adjusted to vary retention force. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required multiple separate fasteners and adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If an axial clamp with multiple metal shoes is used to hold dies in place, then the retention force is strong, but the cost is too high and the pressure is not uniformly applied
Solution Approach 1:
The axial clamp incorporates a flexible element that distributes pressure uniformly across the surface of each die or stripper. This flexible component ensures consistent local contact pressure rather than concentrated points, preventing damage while maintaining strong retention force throughout the entire interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism allows adjustment of the retention force parameter to suit different application conditions. By modifying the axial compression force, the system can adapt to various die sizes, materials, and operational requirements while maintaining uniform pressure distribution through the flexible element.
4Loss of time
If a single fastener is used to secure all dies or strippers, then the time for changing parts is reduced and cost is lowered, but the retention force may not be sufficient or uniformly distributed
Solution Approach 1:
The axial clamp assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the single axial fastener force into uniform radial pressure on all dies or strippers. This intermediary component distributes the concentrated axial force from one fastener into multiple radial contact points, ensuring sufficient and evenly distributed retention force.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism allows adjustment of the retention force parameter to suit different application conditions. By modifying the axial compression force, the system can adapt to various die sizes, materials, and operational requirements while maintaining uniform pressure distribution through the flexible element.
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
This solution simplifies the mounting and demounting process, reduces downtime, and lowers manufacturing costs by allowing all dies or strippers to be removed and replaced quickly with a single fastener, while ensuring secure retention without surface damage.
Implementation Method 1
varying retention force through adjustable frictional engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple punch and die assembly body member has dies or strippers that are held within multiple pockets in a multipunch body member by means of a centrally positioned retaining member formed from a rigid or flexible material located in a central recess at the middle of a ring of the surrounding dies or strippers. The retaining member is preferably held in place by a push plate that can be secured to the multipunch body member by a tightening element, e.g., a screw fastener for pressing the peripheral surface of the retainer member into engagement with the dies or strippers to hold them in their respective pockets in the multipunch body member.