Rotatable Ram Assembly for Multi-Terminal Crimping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crimping tools require multiple die assemblies and crimping stations for different terminal sizes and shapes, leading to increased setup time, calibration needs, and reduced efficiency in manufacturing processes, especially in plants producing wiring harnesses for vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A crimping tool with a ram assembly having multiple tools on its vertical sides, allowing for crimping of various terminal shapes and sizes using a single apparatus, combined with a rotatable disc for quick tool changes and a base with specific anvil receivers, reduces the need for recalibration and minimizes downtime by enabling simultaneous calibration of multiple tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate die assemblies and crimping stations are used for different terminal sizes and shapes, then each terminal type can be crimped with dedicated precision, but the number of tools and stations increases, leading to increased setup time, calibration needs, and reduced manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single crimping tool with a rotatable ram assembly that can hold multiple die assemblies (at least two) on its vertical sides. This allows one tool to perform multiple crimping functions for different terminal types by rotating to different positions, eliminating the need for multiple separate crimping stations while maintaining dedicated precision for each terminal type through specific die-anvil combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics through the rotatable ram assembly that can change orientation between different vertical sides during operation. The ram assembly can rotate to bring different die assemblies into the working position, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different terminal types without requiring physical replacement of the entire tool or complex setup changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate crimping stations are deployed to handle various terminal types, then all terminal varieties can be processed simultaneously, but the device complexity and initial investment increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single crimping tool with a rotatable ram assembly that can hold multiple die assemblies (at least two) on its vertical sides. This allows one tool to perform multiple crimping functions for different terminal types by rotating to different positions, eliminating the need for multiple separate crimping stations while maintaining dedicated precision for each terminal type through specific die-anvil combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple die assemblies and their corresponding anvils into a single integrated crimping tool. The rotatable ram assembly merges the functionality of what would otherwise require separate tools, allowing multiple terminal types to be serviced by one unified device rather than multiple independent stations.
3Manufacturing precision
If dedicated die assemblies are installed for each terminal type, then precise crimping can be achieved, but the time and effort required to change tools and perform calibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics through the rotatable ram assembly that can change orientation between different vertical sides during operation. The ram assembly can rotate to bring different die assemblies into the working position, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different terminal types without requiring physical replacement of the entire tool or complex setup changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-arranging multiple die assemblies on the vertical sides of the rotatable ram assembly before operation begins. Each die assembly is positioned in advance on a specific vertical side, and the corresponding anvil is prepared in advance on the base. This pre-arrangement eliminates the need for tool changes during operation, as the desired die assembly is already in position and can be accessed by simple rotation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a crimping tool for connecting terminals to components, the crimping tool comprising a ram assembly; and a plurality of tools, with each tool being configured to cooperate with a crimping anvil to crimp the terminals to respective components. The invention further relates to a respective base for a crimping tool, to a ram assembly for a crimping tool, to a plant for the automated production of wiring harnesses and to a method of changing between tools of a crimping tool.