Press-Forming Load Assembly for Independent Stroke and Force Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing press-forming dies face challenges in adjusting both stroke and application load simultaneously, requiring multiple types of springs and reprocessing when changes are needed, which complicates the process and increases the number of springs required.

Innovation Solution

A load-applying device for press-forming dies that includes a rod with a length adjustment member, a first plate with a thickness adjustment member, and flanges with thickness adjustments, allowing for the lamination of coned disc springs to easily adjust both stroke and application load by changing the number, direction, kind, and thickness of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If coned disc springs are laminated to increase application load, then the blank holding force is increased, but the entire length of the laminated spring changes making stroke adjustment difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication loadVSAvoidentire length of laminated spring
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into independent modular components: multiple coned disc springs can be laminated together to adjust load, while separate rod length adjustment members and plate thickness adjustment members allow independent stroke adjustment. This segmentation enables load and stroke to be adjusted separately without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates adjustable components including rod length adjustment members that can be detached and repositioned, and plate thickness adjustment members that can be changed. These dynamic elements allow the system to adapt both load and stroke parameters according to different press-forming requirements without reprocessing the die member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If springs with different spring constants are prepared to adjust blank holding force, then the application load can be adjusted, but the number of spring types to be prepared increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblank holding forceVSAvoidnumber of spring types
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses a universal set of coned disc springs that can be combined in different quantities (laminated) to achieve various load levels. Instead of requiring multiple types of springs with different spring constants, the same type of spring can be laminated in different numbers to provide the desired blank holding force, making the system more versatile and reducing inventory complexity.

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

3Length of moving object

If the depth of the concave portion is changed to adjust stroke, then the stroke can be adjusted, but reprocessing of the die member is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestrokeVSAvoidreprocessing requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates rod length adjustment members that can be detached and repositioned to adjust the stroke. Instead of reprocessing the die member to change the depth of the concave portion, the adjustable rod members allow stroke modification by simply changing the position or length of these detachable components, significantly improving ease of manufacture and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to the load-applying device, then both stroke and application load can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of adjustment components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanisms are segmented into independent modular components: rod length adjustment members for stroke control and plate thickness adjustment members for load control. Each segment performs a specific function and can be adjusted independently, which actually reduces overall complexity compared to integrated adjustment mechanisms that would require coordinated changes across multiple parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 a desired combination of stroke and application load without the need for multiple spring types, allowing for efficient load application to specific die members, improving the quality of press-formed parts and simplifying the adjustment process.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic body such as a spring is disposed in a die member included in a press-forming die and thus, a blank holding force is increased

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2682200B1Load applying device, press-molding die, press-molding method
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION
  • EP2682200B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2682200B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2682200B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A load-applying device of a press-forming die includes a rod which includes a first end, a second end, and a flange, a lamination coned disc spring in which a plurality of coned disc springs having a center hole, to which the first end of the rod is inserted, are laminated, a first plate which includes a first through hole to which the first end of the rod is inserted and abuts the lamination coned disc spring, a second plate which includes a second through hole to which the second end of the rod is inserted and abuts the flange; and a gap fixing member which is detachably provided between the first plate and the second plate and fixes a gap between the first plate and the second plate so as to maintain the gap by which the lamination coned disc spring biases the flange to the second plate. The second end and the first plate relatively move in a mutually approaching direction during press-forming, and the lamination coned disc spring is compressed.