Quick-Attach Punch Assembly for Turret Press Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-speed CNC controlled turret punch presses, the replacement of worn punch point inserts is time-consuming and requires special tools, leading to increased downtime and manufacturing costs due to the need to remove the punch driver and insert from the punch guide.
Innovation Solution
A punch assembly design featuring a cylindrical punch guide with a reciprocally movable punch driver and a releasably affixed punch insert, utilizing flexible stamping elements for clamping and a compression spring mechanism that allows for manual actuation without special tools, enabling quick replacement of the punch point insert without removing the driver and insert from the guide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the punch driver and insert are removed from the punch guide for insert replacement, then the punch point insert can be replaced, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming and requires special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The punch assembly is divided into separable components: the punch driver, the punch insert, and the stripper plate, each capable of being independently removed and reinstalled. The stripper plate is segmented from the punch guide through a quick-release mechanism, allowing the insert to be accessed without removing the entire assembly from the machine
Solution Approach 2:
The stripper plate is extracted from the punch guide as a separate removable component, and the punch insert is extracted from the punch driver. This extraction allows the insert to be replaced without removing the punch driver from the guide, significantly reducing downtime and eliminating the need for special removal tools
2Ease of manufacture
If a high-grade high speed steel insert is used to reduce cost of the punch press assembly, then the initial cost is reduced, but the insert still becomes worn and requires replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The punch insert is designed as a consumable component that can be easily discarded when worn and quickly replaced with a refurbished or new insert. The quick-release mechanism allows the insert to be removed and replaced without special tools, making the recovery and reuse of refurbished inserts economically viable and operationally efficient
3Device complexity
If the stripper member is permanently attached to the punch guide, then the structure is simpler, but the punch insert cannot be quickly replaced without removing the entire assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment between the stripper plate and punch guide is made dynamic rather than permanent. The quick-release mechanism allows the stripper plate to be easily detached and reattached, transforming a static permanent connection into a dynamic removable connection that simplifies maintenance operations without significantly increasing structural complexity
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 design reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies punch point replacement by allowing for quick and tool-free removal and reinstallation of the stripper member and punch insert, minimizing downtime and operational expenses.
Implementation Method 1
containing a compression spring for normally biasing the punch driver to a retracted disposition within the bore
Implementation Method 2
Releasably affixed to the lower end of the punch driver, preferably by one or more flexible stamping elements, is a punch insert
Data Source
AI summary
A punch assembly for a turret punch press having a two piece reciprocally movable punch member that has a punch point insert removably attached to a punch driver that allows replacement of the punch point insert without the need to extract the punch member from its punch guide. A locking assembly having four vertical guideways containing slider strips for coupling the punch point insert to the punch driver ensures precision registration of the punch point insert with its driver.