Press-Hardening Tool With Thermal Conditioning for Element Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Challenging properties of workpieces, particularly solid materials like press-hardened metals, complicate the reshaping and reliable fastening of functional elements, especially when geometric conditions are complex and direct fastening methods like bonded fastening are unsuitable.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a pressing device and a setting device, equipped with a conditioning device for thermal influence, allows for simultaneous reshaping and fastening of functional elements by controlling local temperature through heating or cooling, optimizing the setting process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If workpieces are processed through reshaping and press hardening, then the workpiece strength and hardness are improved, but the ease of operation for setting functional elements deteriorates due to the hardness of the workpiece produced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece strengthVSAvoidease of setting functional elements

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature of the workpiece during the setting process. After press hardening, the workpiece is heated to a specific temperature range (e.g., 100-200°C) which softens the material locally, making it easier to set functional elements. This temporal and local parameter change resolves the contradiction between maintaining high strength and enabling easy operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by preparing the workpiece in advance through controlled cooling or heating to achieve optimal mechanical properties before the setting operation. The workpiece is pre-conditioned to have the right balance of strength and ductility, allowing both high strength and ease of setting functional elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If workpieces are removed from the pressing device and repositioned in a separate setting device, then the specialization of each device is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to laborious work steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice specializationVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pressing device and setting device into a single integrated apparatus. The setting device is incorporated into the pressing device structure, allowing both reshaping and functional element setting to be performed in one operation without removing and repositioning the workpiece. This resolves the contradiction by prioritizing productivity while maintaining adequate device functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both reshaping and setting of functional elements. The device structure accommodates both operations, making it universal enough to handle multiple tasks without sacrificing the core functionality of either operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If functional elements are fastened to press-hardened workpieces at room temperature, then the simplicity of the process is improved, but the reliability of fastening deteriorates due to the hardness of the workpiece

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidfastening reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter of the workpiece from room temperature to an elevated temperature range (e.g., 100-200°C) during the fastening process. This parameter change softens the press-hardened material, enabling reliable fastening of functional elements while maintaining process simplicity through controlled thermal conditioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient and reliable fastening of functional elements on workpieces by maintaining them within a defined temperature window, eliminating laborious steps and improving joining quality.

Implementation Method 1

the material of the workpiece can be cooled and/or heated accordingly via the tool halves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the material of the workpiece can be cooled and/or heated accordingly via the tool halves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20250256324A1Apparatus for Processing a Workpiece and Corresponding Method

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 PROFIL VERBINDUNGSTECHNIK GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing a workpiece, said apparatus comprising at least one pressing device having a first tool half and a second tool half that can be moved towards one another in a pressing movement, in particular for reshaping and/or for press hardening the workpiece, and at least one setting device for fastening at least one functional element in a setting movement at a setting point to the workpiece, wherein the setting device is arranged at the first tool half or the second tool half. The first and/or the second tool half has/have a conditioning device with which the first tool half and/or the second tool half can be thermally influenced, in particular selectively thermally influenced.