Radial Press Jaw Coupling with Asymmetric Centering Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick-change devices for radial presses are cumbersome and prone to incorrect operation, leading to increased time and risk of damage during the process of changing press jaws, especially when handling differently dimensioned workpieces.

Innovation Solution

A quick-change device with three centering elements arranged on separate arms, where two arms are closer to the pressing jaw holder and form load arms with a smaller included angle, and a third arm serves as a support arm with a larger angle, providing intuitive alignment and reducing the risk of incorrect positioning through distinct angles and asymmetry, along with optional features like colored markings, spherical cap surfaces, and integrated position detection systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a quick-change device with centering elements is used to align press jaws with base jaws, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the device becomes more complex and harder to handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The quick-change device employs asymmetric arm design where two load arms form a smaller included angle than the support arm. This asymmetry creates an intuitive alignment system where the asymmetric shape naturally guides the operator to position the device correctly, improving positioning accuracy without requiring complex alignment mechanisms or additional control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Force

If the quick-change device is designed to handle heavy press jaw sets, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but the device becomes more cumbersome and harder to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The quick-change device is segmented into three distinct functional arms: two load arms for bearing the weight of press jaws and one support arm for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - load arms are strengthened for heavy loads while the support arm provides positioning guidance - making the overall device easier to operate despite its load-bearing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support arm acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the operator's handling actions and the load-bearing load arms. By providing a distinct positioning interface through the support arm with its larger included angle, it facilitates easier operation while the load arms handle the heavy pressing forces, separating the handling and load-bearing functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple centering elements are arranged on the quick-change device to ensure proper alignment, then positioning reliability is improved, but the risk of incorrect operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric arrangement of three centering elements on differently angled arms creates an intuitively correct positioning system. The unique angular relationships and asymmetric geometry provide tactile and visual feedback that guides the operator to the correct position, making it obvious when proper alignment is achieved and reducing the risk of incorrect operation while maintaining high positioning reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3339009B1Radial press system and quick coupling device for use on a radial press
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 UNIFLEX HYDRAULIC
  • EP3339009B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3339009B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3339009B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A radial press system comprises a radial press (R) having a plurality of radially movable base jaws, a press jaw magazine with interchangeable press jaws stored in sets and intended for attachment to the base jaws, and a quick-change device (1) with one handle (2) and one to one, enabling the press jaws to be changed together Tool axis concentric die holder. The quick-change device (1) has three corresponding centering elements suitable for interacting with counterparts (G) provided on the radial press (R). These are arranged at the ends on an associated arm (9) protruding from a central body (8). Two arms form load arms (15) protruding from the central body (8) close to the pressing jaw holder and the third arm forms a support arm (16) protruding from the central body (8) at a distance from the pressing jaw holder. The angle related to the tool axis between the centering elements arranged on the two load arms (15) is smaller than each of the two angles related to the tool axis (X) between the centering element arranged on the support arm (16) and the angles on the two load arms (15 ) arranged centering elements.