Profile Disk Forming via Adjustable Connecting Rods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing longitudinal grooves in cylindrical workpieces, such as disk carriers and toothed belt pulleys, are limited by the need for circular movement paths, which restrict the ability to achieve soft penetration and rapid lifting movements, leading to potential jamming and inefficiencies in the forming process.

Innovation Solution

The use of at least two connecting rods, with adjustable lengths and bearing axes, allows for non-circular movement paths, enabling soft immersion and rapid lifting of profile discs during the forming process, thereby preventing jamming and optimizing the forming sequence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If circular movement paths are used for profile disks, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to achieve soft penetration and rapid lifting movements is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement path variabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The profile disk movement is changed from a fixed circular path to a dynamically controllable path using connecting rods with adjustable lengths. The connecting rods enable the profile disk to follow optimized movement curves that adapt to different forming requirements, achieving both soft penetration and rapid lifting movements while maintaining a mechanically simple structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The length of the connecting rods is made adjustable, allowing modification of the movement path parameters. This enables optimization of the profile disk trajectory for different workpiece geometries and forming requirements without changing the fundamental device structure, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If circular movement paths are used, then the device structure is simple, but jamming of the component on the profile disc occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejamming preventionVSAvoidmovement mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting rod mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the profile disk movement path, allowing rapid lifting movements that prevent material jamming on the profile disc surface. The optimized movement curve ensures the profile disk can quickly exit the deformation zone, eliminating jamming issues while maintaining reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of moving object

If profile disks rotate around a single center of rotation, then the device structure is simple, but larger rotational paths are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational path lengthVSAvoidmounting mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The profile disk mounting is segmented from a single center of rotation to multiple spaced-apart bearing axes. This segmentation allows the profile disk to follow a shorter, more efficient movement path while being supported by multiple connecting rods attached to different bearing axes, reducing the overall rotational path length required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The profile disk movement is transitioned from a two-dimensional circular path around a single axis to a three-dimensional optimized trajectory controlled by multiple bearing axes. This dimensional change enables shorter effective movement paths while providing more flexible control over the profile disk motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This approach results in improved dimensional accuracy, reduced holding and working forces, and smaller forming paths, eliminating the need for additional gas pressure or hydraulic cushions, while enabling the creation of complex profiles like undercuts and gaps, enhancing the quality of the formed components.

Implementation Method 1

Each profile disk (4) is guided in its rolling movement by two connecting rods (1, 2) which are arranged at a distance from one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical linkage motion conversion: Four-Bar Linkage

Implementation Method 2

the profiled discs (4) are carried along in the direction of the arrow 20 by frictional engagement and roll off the outer circumference of the component in a deforming manner, with the introduction of radially inward-pointing longitudinal grooves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling deformation: Roller

Implementation Method 3

the profiled discs (4) are carried along in the direction of the arrow 20 by frictional engagement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrictional engagement: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2165785B1Method and device for manufacturing longitudinal grooves in cylindrical workpieces
Publication Date: 2010.12.01 WEBO WERKZEUGBAU OBERSCHWABEN GMBH
  • EP2165785B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2165785B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2165785B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The device has a roller stamp (7) arranged at a lower end of an upper stamp (9), and carrying a cylindrical component (11). Multiple profile disks (4) are arranged opposite to a housing (25) for implementing shifting movement of the component in a radially inward direction. A movement guide is rotatably mounted on a housing-firm bearing shell (3). The disks are movably driven by piston rods (1, 2) that are arranged at a distance from each other. One of ends of the piston rods is held in a recess in the profile disk and other end of the rod is rotatably mounted over a bearing axis on the shell. An independent claim is also included for a method for producing longitudinal slots in a cylindrical workpiece.