Quick-Change Die Assembly for Faster Necker Tooling Swaps

Solution Overview

Problem

Necker machines require excessive time and effort to exchange die elements for accommodating can bodies of different radii and heights, leading to lost fasteners and inefficiencies due to the numerous couplings involved.

Innovation Solution

A quick-change die assembly with outer and inner die mountings and quick-release couplings allows for rapid exchange of die elements with a minimal number of couplings, ensuring they cannot be lost and simplifying the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional die elements are exchanged to accommodate can bodies of different radii and heights, then the necker machine can process different can specifications, but the exchange process requires numerous couplings that must be removed and reinstalled, leading to lost fasteners and time-consuming operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to process different can specificationsVSAvoidtime required for die element exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The die assembly is segmented into modular components (outer die, inner die, die mounting) that can be independently exchanged. The quick-release coupling mechanism divides the complex multi-fastener assembly into discrete segments that can be rapidly disconnected and reconnected, eliminating the need to manage numerous individual couplings during tooling changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The quick-release coupling mechanism introduces dynamic functionality to the previously static die mounting system. The coupling can rapidly transition between locked and unlocked states, enabling fast exchange of die elements while maintaining secure attachment during operation. This dynamic capability transforms the tooling change process from a manual, time-consuming operation to a rapid, controlled mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional die elements are exchanged to accommodate can bodies of different radii and heights, then the necker machine can process different can specifications, but the numerous couplings involved lead to lost fasteners and operational inefficiencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to process different can specificationsVSAvoidease of die element exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The die assembly is segmented into modular components (outer die, inner die, die mounting) that can be independently exchanged. The quick-release coupling mechanism divides the complex multi-fastener assembly into discrete segments that can be rapidly disconnected and reconnected, eliminating the need to manage numerous individual couplings during tooling changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The quick-release coupling mechanism incorporates self-retaining features that prevent fastener loss during the exchange process. The coupling design includes built-in retention mechanisms that automatically secure fasteners in place, eliminating the need for operators to manually manage and track multiple couplings, thereby preventing lost fasteners and operational inefficiencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a limited number of couplings are used in the quick-release mechanism, then the exchange process is simplified and fastener loss is prevented, but the secure attachment of die elements must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of couplings in die assemblyVSAvoidsecure attachment of die elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The quick-release coupling mechanism introduces dynamic functionality to the previously static die mounting system. The coupling can rapidly transition between locked and unlocked states, enabling fast exchange of die elements while maintaining secure attachment during operation. This dynamic capability transforms the tooling change process from a manual, time-consuming operation to a rapid, controlled mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The quick-release coupling mechanism is designed as a durable, reusable component that replaces the need for multiple disposable or temporary fasteners. The coupling mechanism itself is engineered to withstand repeated engagement and disengagement cycles while maintaining its structural integrity and locking capability, effectively serving as a permanent, reliable connection system rather than a series of temporary fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS11731188B2Quick change tooling assembly

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 STOLLE MACHINERY CO LLC

AI summary

A quick-change die assembly for a necker machine includes an outer die mounting, an outer die, an outer die quick-release coupling, an inner die mounting, an inner die assembly, and an inner die quick-release coupling. The outer die is coupled to the outer die mounting by the outer die quick-release coupling. The inner die assembly is coupled to the inner die mounting by the inner die quick-release coupling.