Open Nib Holder Structure for Better Drawing Die Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wet wire drawing dies face inefficiencies in heat transfer due to suboptimal thermal transport, with previous solutions being complex and prone to coolant channel obstruction by dirt, leading to reduced cooling capacity.

Innovation Solution

A drawing die design featuring a nib holder with a significantly open structure, exposing at least 20% of the nib's mantle surface to coolant, eliminating the need for cooling channels and preventing dirt accumulation, while maintaining sufficient clamping force through protruding clamps and a unitary base plate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If cooling channels are provided in the nib holder to improve cooling, then cooling capacity is enhanced, but the structure becomes intricate and prone to dirt accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capacityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the cooling channels from the nib holder structure entirely. Instead of providing internal passages for coolant flow, the design allows the liquid emulsion coolant to directly contact the nib's outer surface, which is exposed through the open structure of the nib holder. This extraction of the cooling channel system eliminates the complexity and dirt accumulation problems while maintaining effective cooling through direct surface contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The nib holder is designed with an open structure featuring radial slots or gaps that segment the holder body. These segments allow the coolant to access different portions of the nib's outer surface simultaneously, providing distributed cooling without requiring internal channels. The segmented design maintains structural integrity while enabling direct coolant-nib contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Force

If the nib is fully enclosed in the nib holder for secure holding, then clamping force is sufficient, but coolant access to the nib is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidcoolant access
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The nib holder employs radial slots or gaps that segment the holder structure into multiple sections. These segments allow coolant to penetrate through the holder and contact the nib's outer surface while the remaining material of the holder maintains sufficient clamping force. The segmented design creates pathways for coolant flow without compromising the holding capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nib holder exhibits local quality variations: the radial slots or gaps are strategically positioned to provide coolant access to specific regions of the nib, while other portions of the holder maintain solid structure for clamping. This localized opening approach ensures both cooling efficiency and secure holding by applying different structural qualities to different regions of the holder.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enhances cooling efficiency by allowing direct and unobstructed coolant access to the nib, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs, and preventing coolant channel obstruction, thereby improving the longevity and performance of the drawing die.

Implementation Method 1

the thermal transport of heat is not always optimal as the heat has to exit the nib and must be taken up by the casing that on its turn is in contact with the coolant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

A lubricant is applied to the wire to reduce the friction between the drawing die and the wire passing by... the drawing dies as well as the wire are immersed in a liquid emulsion that acts as lubricant as well as a coolant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3849722B1Drawing die with associated nib holder
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 NV BEKAERT SA
  • EP3849722B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3849722B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3849722B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a drawing die and the associated nib holder. The nib holder is construed such that at least 20% of the nib mantle surface remains exposed to the coolant during drawing in a limited number e.g. two, three up to twelve disjoint areas. In this way a sufficient cooling of the nib is guaranteed. The nib holder comprises a base plate with protruding clamps that hold the nib. The nib holder is made of a single piece of material. An associated method to insert the nib into the nib holder is also described.