Pneumatic Part Removal in Multi-Stage Pressing for Clean Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for producing formed parts like screws and rivets using multi-stage presses face challenges in achieving cost-effective and resource-efficient production while maintaining high quality, as they often result in parts being damaged or mixed during transport, and require subsequent processing steps like washing and thread formation.

Innovation Solution

A pneumatic conveying system is introduced to control the removal of finished formed parts, using a transport tube with a suction mechanism to orient and transport parts directly from the forming machine, reducing contact with machine oil and minimizing damage, and allowing for flexible positioning of production systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional transport methods (conveyor belts or chutes) are used to remove formed parts, then the parts can be transported away from the forming machine, but the parts may become damaged or mixed during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepart integrityVSAvoidtransport system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a pneumatic conveying system where formed parts are suctioned through a transport tube using a vacuum generator. This pneumatic method replaces conventional mechanical conveyor belts or chutes, providing gentle handling that prevents part damage and mixing while maintaining transport functionality. The suction-based approach allows controlled, orientation-preserving transport of the formed parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of manufacture

If formed parts are transported using conventional methods, then they can be moved to subsequent processing stations, but they require washing to remove adhering machine oil

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidmachine oil contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic conveying system creates a controlled air stream that prevents formed parts from contacting machine oil in the forming area. By suctioning parts directly through a transport tube positioned above the forming zone, the system eliminates the need for subsequent washing steps, reducing resource consumption and production time while maintaining part cleanliness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the formed parts from the oil-prone forming environment before they can become contaminated. The transport tube inlet is positioned to receive parts directly from the forming station, and the suction action quickly removes parts from the forming area, preventing oil adhesion and eliminating the need for washing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple forming stations are used to produce formed parts, then high-quality parts can be produced through multi-stage forming, but additional equipment and space are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformed part qualityVSAvoidproduction space
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple forming stations within a compact forming press unit, combining several forming operations in one location. The pneumatic conveying system then directly connects this integrated forming station to the transport tube, eliminating the need for separate transport equipment between multiple pressing stations, thereby reducing overall space requirements while maintaining multi-stage forming capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables the cost-effective and resource-efficient production of high-quality formed parts by preventing oil contamination, reducing the need for washing, and ensuring parts are transported in the correct orientation, thereby minimizing damage and mixing, while also reducing the need for additional equipment and space.

Implementation Method 1

The formed parts, which have been fed into the transport tube for at least part of their length, are sucked into the transport tube and then pneumatically transported through the transport tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

The formed parts, which have been fed into the transport tube for at least part of their length, are sucked into the transport tube and then pneumatically transported through the transport tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic transport: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4137247B1Method and system for the manufacture of shaped parts by means of multi-stage pressing
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 WAFIOS UMFORMTECHN
  • EP4137247B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4137247B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4137247B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

In a process and system for manufacturing formed parts (W) from wire (D) using a multi-stage press (100), wire (D) is drawn from a wire supply and fed to a cutting system (120). There, wire sections (DA) are cut from the supplied wire (D) in increments. These are gripped and fed to the working area of ​​forming tools (200). Through multi-stage forming of the wire section, a formed part (W) is created, consisting of a shaft section and a head section that is wider than the shaft section. The formed parts are then successively ejected by means of an ejector system (300). A pneumatic conveying system (400) is used to transport the finished formed parts. This system includes a transport tube (410) with an inlet opening (412) for successively receiving the finished formed parts.The inlet opening is positioned near the ejector system (300) such that the finished formed parts (W) can be inserted directly into the inlet opening (412) in the correct orientation by means of the ejector system. These parts are then picked up by suction from the transport tube (410) and pneumatically conveyed towards a subsequent station.