Press Mold Segmented Position-Limiting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stamping die position-limiting mechanisms either require manual intervention and long die changeover times or are costly and prone to damage due to excessive compression of nitrogen gas springs, especially when dies are stacked.

Innovation Solution

A stamping die design incorporating a combination of a rigid storing limiter and an elastic nitrogen gas spring, with an elastic position limiter cushion and steel chains to facilitate automated die loading and prevent damage to elastic elements, allowing the rigid limiter to take over when the gas spring is compressed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a nitrogen gas spring is used as an elastic storing limiter to enable automated die loading, then die loading time is reduced and automation is improved, but when many dies are stacked the gas spring is compressed too much losing its limiting function and causing damage to elastic elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated die loadingVSAvoidposition-limiting function reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The position-limiting mechanism is segmented into two independent components: a rigid storing limiter and an elastic nitrogen gas spring. The rigid limiter provides primary position limitation and supports stacking, while the gas spring provides secondary elastic limitation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function without compromising the other, enabling both automated loading and reliable position limiting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid storing limiter acts as a beforehand cushioning measure against the potential failure or excessive compression of the nitrogen gas spring. By having the rigid limiter in place, the system is prepared in advance to prevent damage to elastic elements even when the gas spring loses its function due to long working hours or excessive stacking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If a rigid storing limiter is used for position limiting in storage, then position limitation is reliable, but manual adjustment is required and die changeover time is long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition-limiting functionVSAvoiddie changeover time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the rigid storing limiter and the elastic nitrogen gas spring into a combined position-limiting system. The rigid limiter provides reliable position limitation while the gas spring enables automated loading by providing elastic compensation. This combination allows the system to achieve both reliable position limiting and reduced changeover time without requiring manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The nitrogen gas spring acts as an intermediary between the rigid storing limiter and the die. It provides elastic compensation that allows the rigid limiter to function reliably while enabling automated loading operations. The gas spring mediates between the rigid structure and the automated loading mechanism, eliminating the need for manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a nitrogen gas spring with higher stiffness is used to prevent excessive compression during stacking, then position limitation is improved, but costs increase significantly and gas leak and failure risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition-limiting functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The position-limiting function is segmented between a rigid storing limiter and a standard-stiffness nitrogen gas spring. The rigid limiter handles the primary load-bearing and position-limiting function, allowing the use of a lower-stiffness, more cost-effective gas spring. This segmentation eliminates the need for expensive high-stiffness gas springs while maintaining reliable position limitation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid storing limiter serves as a durable, reusable component that can be easily replaced if needed, allowing the use of a more economical nitrogen gas spring with standard stiffness. The rigid limiter acts as a cost-effective backup that protects against the limitations of using cheaper gas springs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 automated die loading, reduces die changeover time, and lowers production costs by ensuring the rigid limiter can support the dies when the gas spring is degraded, while maintaining safety and preventing damage to elastic elements.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic storing limiter arranged between the upper die and the lower die. The elastic storing limiter may be a nitrogen gas spring.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a direction-guiding guide pillar, arranged on the lower die, an upper die, connected with the lower die via the guide pillar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS8631678B2Press mold
Publication Date: 2014.01.21 CHERY AUTOMOBILE CO LTD
  • US8631678B2 patent drawing
  • US8631678B2 patent drawing
  • US8631678B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A press mold comprises lower mold (9), upper mold (3), working limiter (6) and rigid storing restrictor (2). The lower mold (9) and the upper mold (3) are coupled each other by guide post (1) having guiding function so that they can move relative to each other. The working limiter (6) and the rigid storing limiter (2) are located between the lower mold (9) and the upper mold (3). The press mold also includes at least one elastic storing limiter provided between the upper mold (3) and the lower mold (9).