Orifice Processing with Multi-Punch Indexing for Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for processing orifices and recessed portions with unique diameters require frequent tool changes, leading to deviations in the relative positional relationship between the processing tool and the orifice plate, resulting in extended processing times and reduced accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a horizontal press with adjustable B-axis and A-axis angle indexing devices, combined with a chuck system for precise positioning and a sequence of operations that allows for the use of multiple punches without changing tools, ensuring high positioning and angular accuracy for orifices and recessed portions with different diameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If frequent tool changes are performed to process orifices and recessed portions with unique diameters, then different diameter requirements are met, but the relative positional relationship between the processing tool and orifice plate deviates and processing time extends

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to process different diameter orificesVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a single processing tool that can handle multiple operations (processing both orifices and recessed portions of different diameters) without requiring frequent tool changes. The tool is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate varying processing requirements while maintaining consistent positioning accuracy throughout the operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes adjustable and movable components in the processing apparatus, including adjustable indexing devices for precise angular positioning and movable positioning mechanisms that can adapt to different orifice plate configurations. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain high positioning accuracy across various processing scenarios without tool changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If frequent tool changes are performed to process orifices and recessed portions with unique diameters, then different diameter requirements are met, but processing time extends

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to process different diameter orificesVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The single multi-functional processing tool eliminates the need for frequent tool changes, allowing continuous processing of different diameter orifices and recessed portions. This significantly reduces non-productive time associated with tool changes and setup, thereby improving overall processing speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous processing operations without interruption for tool changes. The processing apparatus maintains continuous useful action by using a single tool that can seamlessly transition between processing different features, eliminating downtime and enhancing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If frequent tool changes are performed, then different diameter orifices can be processed, but the relative positional relationship deviates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to process different diameter orificesVSAvoidtime for tool changes and repositioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The single processing tool designed for multi-functionality eliminates the time loss associated with frequent tool changes. The tool can process various diameter orifices and recessed portions without being changed, thereby preventing time loss while maintaining the ability to handle different specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The processing tool is pre-configured and positioned once to handle multiple operations. The preliminary setup includes precise positioning of the single tool to accommodate various processing requirements, eliminating the need for repeated positioning adjustments and tool changes, thus preventing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If a single processing tool is used without frequent changes, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but the ability to process different diameters is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidability to process different diameter orifices
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single processing tool is designed with universal capabilities to process different diameter orifices and recessed portions. Through its multi-functional design, it maintains positioning accuracy while adapting to various processing requirements, effectively resolving the contradiction between precision and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The processing apparatus incorporates adjustable parameters including indexing device angles and positioning mechanism settings that can be modified to accommodate different orifice diameters. These parameter changes allow the single tool to maintain high positioning accuracy across varying processing scenarios without requiring tool changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2230032B1Method of processing orifice
Publication Date: 2016.11.16 HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYST LTD
  • EP2230032B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2230032B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2230032B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a method for processing an orifice capable of processing recessed portions and orifices, each having a unique hole diameter different from each other, to high positioning accuracy and in a short time. A press includes: a B-axis angle indexing device 3 disposed on a base 2b, the B-axis angle indexing device 3 including a table B; an A-axis angle indexing device 25 disposed on the table B, the A-axis angle indexing device 25 including a table A; a chuck 32 disposed on the table A, the chuck 32 for holding a work; a base Z 6 disposed on a base, the base Z 6 being operable in an axis Z-direction; a base X 8 disposed on the base Z, the base X 8 being operable in an axis X-direction; a punch holding portion 13 disposed on the base X, the punch holding portion 13 being operable vertically in an axis Y-direction; and a plurality of punches 19, 22 held on the punch holding portion in parallel with the axis Z. The press is used to perform a pressing cycle at a desired position by changing a posture of the work and moving the punch in the Z-direction continuously using punches having different leading end diameters and shapes with the work held in the chuck.