Punch-Applied Release Agent for Precise Lamination Stack Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for connecting sheet metal parts using a hot-melt adhesive lacquer layer face challenges in reproducibility and accuracy due to the application of release agents before separation, leading to inefficient separation and cohesion issues.

Innovation Solution

Applying a fluid release agent during the punching stage, where the stamp applies the agent directly to the electrical steel or isolated sheet metal part, ensuring precise positioning and limiting the application area, thereby enhancing reproducibility and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the release agent is sprayed onto the electrical steel before the punching stage, then the separation of sheet metal bundles from stacked sheet metal parts is facilitated, but the positioning accuracy of the release agent on the hot melt adhesive layer deteriorates due to longitudinal movement during feeding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation of sheet metal bundlesVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of release agent
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The release agent is applied in advance during the punching stage, specifically on the hot melt adhesive layer before the sheets are stacked. This preliminary application ensures the release agent is in position before any feeding movement occurs, preventing positioning errors while still facilitating later separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional spraying method with a direct application method using the punching device itself. Instead of using a separate spraying system that operates before punching, the release agent is applied directly during the punching operation, substituting the mechanical spraying system with a more precise application mechanism integrated into the punching stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the release agent is applied before the punching stage, then separation is facilitated, but the process complexity increases due to synchronization requirements between release agent application and progressive die control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation of sheet metal bundlesVSAvoidsynchronization control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the release agent application function with the existing punching stage. Instead of having a separate release agent application system that requires independent control and synchronization, the release agent is applied as part of the punching operation itself. This consolidation eliminates the need for complex synchronization control between separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The punching device is given a dual function: it performs both the punching operation and the release agent application. By making the punching device universal, the patent eliminates the need for a dedicated release agent application system, thereby reducing overall device complexity and synchronization requirements.

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

3Ease of operation

If a liquid release agent is applied before punching, then separation is facilitated, but the coherence among sheet metal parts within a bundle deteriorates due to inaccurate application and unwanted penetration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation of sheet metal bundlesVSAvoidcohesion among sheet metal parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The release agent is applied locally and precisely only on the hot melt adhesive layer at specific locations where separation is needed. This localized application, achieved during the punching stage, ensures that the release agent does not penetrate into areas where sheet metal parts need to remain cohesive, thereby maintaining bundle integrity while still facilitating separation where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional spraying method with a direct application method during punching. This substitution provides better control over release agent placement, preventing unwanted penetration into sheet metal parts and maintaining cohesion within bundles while still enabling separation where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 improves the reproducibility and handling ease of the process by ensuring precise separation and stability of laminated cores, with the stamp's cutting edge limiting the release agent's application area and preventing unwanted penetration.

Implementation Method 1

activating the hot melt adhesive layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal activation: Heating

Implementation Method 2

hot melt adhesive layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

a release agent is applied to the electrical steel strip and/or to the separated sheet metal part in order to facilitate the separation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP4132789B1Device and method for connecting sheet metal to stacks of metal sheets
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 VOESTALPINE AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS DETTINGEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4132789B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4132789B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4132789B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A device and a method for connecting lamination parts (2) to form lamination stacks (3) are disclosed, in which lamination parts (2) are separated from, in particular cut off, an electric strip (5) with the aid of a punching stage (11) having a punch (13), wherein the electric strip (5) has, on at least one of its flat sides (6, 7), a preferably thermally activatable hot-melt adhesive varnish layer (8), in particular bonding varnish layer, the separated lamination parts (2) are stacked and connected together in a materially bonded manner to form a plurality of lamination stacks (3) by activation of the hot-melt adhesive varnish layer (8), wherein a release agent (17) is applied to the electric strip (5) and/or to the separated lamination part (2) in order in this way to make it easier to split the stacked lamination parts (2) into lamination stacks (3). In order to create advantageous conditions, it is proposed that the punch (13) of the punching stage (11) apply an, in particular liquid, fluid (17.1) as release agent (17) to the electric strip (5) and/or to the separated lamination part (2).