Punch and Die Setup Measurement for Faster Tool Equipping

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing setup devices for tools used in punching or forming plate-shaped materials require lengthy processes to record and adjust for changes in tool dimensions due to wear, leading to increased setup time and potential inaccuracies in processing.

Innovation Solution

A setup device that allows for simultaneous measurement of punch length and die height using a measuring object with a defined thickness, enabling efficient recording of tool dimensions and alignment verification, thereby reducing setup time and ensuring accurate processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If separate measurement steps are used for punch length and die height, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but setup time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup timeVSAvoidmeasurement process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the measurement of punch length and die height into a single integrated measurement step. The measuring device simultaneously captures both dimensions by positioning sensors to measure the punch length from the punch holder to the measuring surface, and the die height from the measuring object to the zero point of the die holder, eliminating the need for separate measurement operations and reducing setup time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If multiple measurement steps are performed sequentially, then comprehensive tool data can be collected, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup efficiencyVSAvoidtool dimension accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous measurement action by having the measuring device capture both punch length and die height in an uninterrupted single operation. The measuring sensors continuously record dimensions as the punch holder is positioned, ensuring comprehensive data collection without interrupting the measurement flow, thereby maintaining precision while improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If a simple measuring setup is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to measure both punch length and die height simultaneously is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasuring device structureVSAvoidmeasurement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the measuring device with universal functionality to perform multiple measurement tasks simultaneously. The same measuring device and sensor system can measure both punch length and die height in one operation, as well as verify punch-die alignment, making the device multi-functional without requiring complex additional components or multiple specialized measuring instruments

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

Data Source

PatentEP4028724B1Equipping device and method for equipping a tool for stamping or forming planar materials
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 TRUMPF WERKZEUGMASCHINEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4028724B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4028724B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4028724B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an equipping device for a tool (35) and to a method for equipping a tool for stamping or forming planar materials, which tool comprises at least one punch (36) and one die (38), the equipping device comprising: - a punch holder (22) in which the punch (36) can be inserted; - a die holder (21) into which the die (38) or a die plate (39) holding the die (38) can be inserted; - at least one guide (17) by means of which the punch holder (22) and the die holder (21) can be moved toward each other; wherein the punch holder (22) can be transferred along the guide (17) into a measurement position (52) in which the punch (36) rests on a surface of a measurement object (38) and the lower face of the measurement object (48) rests on the die (38); wherein a measuring device (42) captures a distance of the punch holder (22) from a zero point (81) of the die holder (21) and a distance of the measurement object (48) from the zero point (81) of the die holder (21); and wherein an evaluation apparatus (27) outputs at least a punch length (61) of the punch (36) and a die height (65) of the die (38) or a die height (65) of the die (38) arranged in the die plate (39).