Removable Die Snap-In Locking for Contamination-Resistant Changing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing die changer systems for joining devices are prone to failures and require complex movement sequences, leading to contamination and damage of identification codes, resulting in reduced flexibility and increased maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A die changer system that allows for the removable die to be locked and unlocked solely through axial movements, using a snap-in locking mechanism and ejection spike, with a protected die coding system that is optically readable and resistant to contamination, eliminating the need for rotational movements and simplifying the insertion and removal processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rotational movements are used to lock and unlock the removable die in the die dome, then the die can be securely locked, but the identification code is damaged and contaminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoididentification code damage and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The die shaft is segmented into multiple radial webs (first radial web for locking, second radial web for guiding) that perform distinct functions. The identification code is separated from the locking mechanism area, placed on a protected surface that does not contact the die dome or holder during rotational operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A third radial web acts as an intermediary protective element between the identification code and the harmful environment. This radial web is specifically designed to protect the identification code arranged on its protected surface from contamination and damage during die changing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex movement sequences are used for die locking and unlocking, then secure connection is achieved, but the system becomes more prone to failures and requires more maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmovement sequence complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex rotational locking mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simplified axial snap-in locking system. The first radial web with axial undercut engages directly with the die dome in a single axial movement, eliminating the need for complex rotation and multi-step sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using rotation to achieve locking (conventional approach), the invention uses pure axial movement in reverse - inserting the die shaft axially to lock, and using the ejection spike to axially eject for unlocking. This inverted approach simplifies the movement sequence while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If the die shaft is tapered for insertion between webs, then the die can be locked in the die dome, but the insertion depth and rotation angle must be precisely adapted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidinsertion depth and rotation angle precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The die shaft's first radial web with axial undercut automatically engages with the die dome's locking feature during axial insertion. The geometry of the axial undercut ensures proper positioning and locking without requiring precise control of insertion depth or rotation angle by the external system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The tapered mechanical insertion system requiring precise angular and depth control is replaced with a snap-in axial locking mechanism. The axial undercut on the first radial web provides self-aligning and self-positioning functionality, eliminating the need for precise tapered insertion control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If rotational locking mechanisms are used, then the die can be securely fixed, but the system requires high maintenance efforts and is costly in construction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoidmaintenance effort and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The identification code is designed as a protected feature on the die shaft that can be easily replaced if damaged. The simple axial locking mechanism with radial webs is more robust and less prone to damage than complex rotational mechanisms, reducing maintenance needs. The ejection spike system provides a simple, reliable unlocking mechanism that requires minimal maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS10987722B2Die changer with removable die adapted thereto and die dome as well as method for removing and inserting the removable die

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 BOLLHOFF VERBINDUNGSTECHNIK GMBH

AI summary

A removable die of a joining tool comprising a die head having an upper side, a bottom side and a die shaft extending from the bottom side and receivable and lockable in a die dome without rotation. The die shaft comprises: at least one first radial web forming an axial undercut on two sides by which the die shaft is lockable in the die dome by a linear inserting movement, at least one second exposed radial web, the radial length of which is adaptable to a diameter of the die dome to ensure a lateral guiding of the die shaft in the die dome and which is arranged between the die head and the first radial web, and an ejection surface by which the removable die can be moved out of the die dome and which is arranged at the free end of the die shaft opposite to the die head.