Press Tool Slider Locking Hooks for Safety

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In the development of stamping press tools for motor vehicles, the lack of a secure mechanism for the press tool ram leads to unintended movement due to the absence of return systems, posing a safety risk to operators and complicating the adjustment process.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising pivoting hooks symmetrically arranged around a fixed axis, which lock onto a finger on the slider to prevent unwanted movement and unlock during the cam's descent, allowing controlled movement to the working position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the return system is removed during development phase, then the adjustment process becomes simpler, but the slider moves by its own weight causing safety risks and operational difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment processVSAvoidslider stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into separate hooks that can independently engage with the slider, allowing the system to function without a complete return system while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hooks are positioned to preemptively prevent unwanted slider movement before it can occur, countering the gravitational force that would otherwise cause the slider to move freely during the development phase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If the operator holds the slider in retracted position, then the slider remains stable, but the adjustment of working parts becomes more difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslider stabilityVSAvoidadjustment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hooks automatically engage with the slider to hold it in the retracted position without requiring manual intervention, freeing the operator's hands for adjustment work

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is pre-positioned to automatically engage when the slider reaches the retracted position, eliminating the need for manual holding during setup operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the slider can move freely by its own weight, then the adjustment process is faster, but the operator risks injury from unexpected slider movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment speedVSAvoidoperator safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hooks are designed to dynamically respond to the slider's position, automatically engaging when the slider is at rest in the retracted position and disengaging when the cam descends to initiate movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hooks act as an intermediary safety mechanism between the slider and the operator, providing automatic protection without interfering with the intended operational movement when properly activated

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Ensures the slider remains stable in the retracted position, preventing operator injury and simplifying adjustments by allowing hands-free operation during setup, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

each of said hooks is movable towards said low position and locked under the effect of gravity, that is to say under the effect of the hook's own weight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2952269B1Device for securing the plunger of a press tool, movably mounted between a retracted position and a working position
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP2952269B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6

AI summary

Device for securing a press tool slide (10), mounted movably on a sliding ramp (11), between a retracted position in which the press tool is open and a working position in which the press tool is closed, the movement of the slide (10) between these two positions being controlled by the descent of a cam characterized in that this device includes means for locking the slide (10) in said retracted position and means for unlocking the slide during the descent of said cam.