Press Tool Alignment Clamp for Ram-to-Domer Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
In press forming machinery, misalignment between the ram of a bodymaker and the domer die can lead to unwanted deformation and coining defects in metal food or beverage container preforms, resulting in financial losses due to can failures.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part clamp assembly is employed to align the ram of the bodymaker coaxially and concentrically with the domer die, using a movable sleeve system with biasing elements to ensure precise alignment and prevent coining during the doming process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple clamp assembly is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to misalignment between ram and domer die
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: a clamp body for basic clamping, a movable alignment sleeve for coaxial alignment, and biasing elements for maintaining alignment force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively achieving both simplicity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the clamp body and the workpiece. It provides a precise reference surface that guides the ram and domer die into coaxial alignment, mediating the alignment function without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If alignment retainers are added to improve alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment retainer and clamp functions are merged into a single integrated clamp assembly. The alignment sleeve is incorporated directly into the clamp body structure, eliminating the need for separate alignment devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: clamping the workpiece, providing coaxial alignment reference, and maintaining alignment during the forming process. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment devices, reducing device complexity.
3Reliability
If precise alignment is achieved, then coining defects are reduced, but the apparatus complexity increases due to movable sleeve and biasing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing elements automatically maintain the alignment sleeve in the correct position and apply continuous alignment force during the forming process. This self-regulating mechanism ensures consistent alignment without requiring external control systems or complex adjustment mechanisms, reducing apparatus complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment sleeve is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust to minor variations in workpiece positioning and maintain optimal alignment throughout the forming process. This dynamic capability improves defect reduction while keeping the structure simple.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an alignment retainer and a profile retainer, where the profile retainer is movably coupled to the alignment retainer. A biasing element is positioned between the alignment retainer and the profile retainer to enable movement of the alignment retainer relative to the profile retainer.