Removable Punch Mounting Assembly for Faster Ram Seal Service
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ram assemblies in can bodymakers require complex and time-consuming procedures to replace seals, involving decoupling and realigning the ram assembly, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A ram assembly with a reduced length and a punch mounting assembly of complementary length, allowing for decoupling and replacement of seals without removing the ram assembly from the drive assembly, thus maintaining alignment and reducing the replacement time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the ram assembly uses a traditional long ram body design, then the structural integrity and alignment with the die pack is maintained, but the seal replacement procedure becomes complex and time-consuming requiring complete decoupling and realignment
Solution Approach 1:
The ram body is divided into two separate components: a short ram body portion that remains coupled to the drive assembly, and a separate punch mounting assembly that includes the punch and can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the seal assembly to be accessed and serviced without removing the entire ram assembly from the drive assembly, significantly simplifying the seal replacement procedure while maintaining the alignment of the remaining components.
2Ease of repair
If the ram assembly is completely decoupled from the drive assembly for seal replacement, then all seals can be accessed, but the alignment with the die pack must be broken and reestablished
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the ram assembly into a stationary short ram body portion and a removable punch mounting assembly, the invention allows technicians to access and replace seals in the seal assembly without decoupling the short ram body from the drive assembly. This eliminates the time-consuming realignment step while still providing access to all seals through the removal of just the punch mounting assembly portion.
3Ease of operation
If the ram body is shortened, then the seal assembly becomes accessible for maintenance, but the operational length must be compensated by the punch mounting assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention shortens the permanent ram body portion to expose the seal assembly for easy maintenance access. The functional length is restored by attaching a separate punch mounting assembly that contains the punch. This segmentation allows the ram body to be optimally short for maintenance while the punch mounting assembly provides the necessary operational length during manufacturing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ram assembly transitions from a static long ram body design to a dynamic configuration where the punch mounting assembly can be attached or removed based on operational needs. When the punch mounting assembly is attached, the full operational length is achieved; when removed for maintenance, the shortened ram body allows easy seal access. This dynamic reconfiguration optimizes both maintenance ease and operational performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes an elongated ram body and a punch mounting assembly. The ram body has a reduced length. The punch mounting assembly includes an elongated body having a complementary length. The punch mounting assembly is coupled to the ram body. The assembled punch mounting assembly and ram body have an operational length.