Punching Gap Adjustment via Tool Deformation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting or punching machines face challenges in precisely setting and maintaining the gap width between tools due to wear, which can lead to inferior cut quality and burr formation, especially in precision applications like punching foils for rechargeable batteries.

Innovation Solution

A method and tool unit that utilizes a deforming force to adjust the width of the cutting or punching gap by elastically or plastically deforming at least one of the tools, using clamping means to apply a force transverse to the tool's movement direction, allowing for precise setting without complex machining of the cutting edge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the gap width is set precisely using conventional methods (spindles, wedge adjustment), then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap width setting precisionVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the tool by applying elastic or plastic deformation through clamping means, transforming the tool from a rigid component to a deformable one. This allows continuous adjustment of the gap width by varying the deformation parameter, replacing complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a simpler deformation-based approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces dynamic adjustability by allowing the tool to be elastically or plastically deformed during operation. The clamping means can apply variable forces to achieve different gap widths, making the system adaptable rather than fixed, thereby simplifying the adjustment process while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of moving object

If the gap width is increased due to tool wear, then the device operation time is extended, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool operation durationVSAvoidcut quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary deformation to the tool through clamping means before the tool is fully worn out. By pre-adjusting the tool position through elastic or plastic deformation, the system compensates for anticipated wear, maintaining precise gap width control throughout the tool's operational life and preventing quality degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameter of the tool by applying deformation forces that alter its position. This allows continuous compensation for wear by adjusting the deformation parameter, thereby extending the effective operational life of the tool while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If complex machining is applied to the tool to set the gap width, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap width accuracyVSAvoidtool manufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of machining the tool to achieve precise gap width, the invention changes the approach by applying deformation through clamping means. This transforms the manufacturing process from complex precision machining to simpler deformation-based adjustment, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining or enhancing gap width accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by not machining the tool to fit, but rather deforming the tool to achieve the desired gap. This reversal simplifies the manufacturing process, as deformation is easier to control and adjust than precision machining, while still achieving high manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables simple and precise adjustment of the gap width, compensating for wear and preventing burr formation by effectively reducing the gap width, thereby ensuring high-quality cuts and preventing short circuits in adjacent foils.

Implementation Method 1

at least partially elastically deforming at least the second tool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least partially plastically deforming at least the second tool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9796103B2Method and tool unit for setting a punching gap

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 GROZ BECKERT KG

AI summary

A tool unit (II) includes an ability to change the width (B) of a punching gap between a first tool (12) and a second tool (13). A plurality of second tools (13) jointly form a die tool with a circumferential die cutting edge in which the first tool (12) can engage with a cutting edge (22). Between the cutting edge (22) of the first tool and the respective cutting edge (21) of a second tool (12) a punching gap (23) is formed with a width (B) measured between the cutting edges (21, 22) across the working direction (A). Via lamping means (33), the deformation force acting on a second tool (13) can act transversely to the working direction (A), whereby the position of the affected cutting edge (21) and, with it, the width (B) of the punching gap (23), can be changed and set.