Rotating Separating Cam for Continuous Blank Extrusion Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for extruding blanks using a press sleeve and punch suffer from stop-and-go movement in the guide rail, leading to downtime, risk of blanks getting stuck, and pressure marks on the product due to clamping, as well as time-consuming adjustments for product changes, especially when dealing with different blank thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotating separating cam having a convex surface that increases in distance from the axis and a concave area matching the blank diameter, allowing continuous motion and reducing the need for clamping, combined with guide disks that adapt to blank thickness for optimal positioning and easy format changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separating means are used to transport blanks in cycles, then blanks can be separated and positioned, but blanks experience stop-and-go movement causing downtime and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous motion of blanks through the guide rail by using a separating cam that pushes blanks forward continuously rather than in discrete stop-and-go cycles. The cam's rotating surface maintains constant contact with blanks, eliminating idle periods between transport cycles and keeping the feed system in continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating cam converts static holding positions into dynamic continuous motion. The cam's rotating surface profile varies the pushing force dynamically, allowing blanks to be accelerated and separated smoothly while maintaining overall continuous movement through the feed rail, rather than alternating between stationary and moving states.
2Ease of operation
If blanks are clamped during transport in the guide rail, then blanks can be guided and positioned, but pressure marks are created on the blanks causing product defects
Solution Approach 1:
The separating cam uses a curved rotating surface instead of flat clamping surfaces. The cam's rounded profile contacts blanks at a single point or small area, distributing pressure away from the blank surfaces that will become visible product defects, while still providing sufficient guidance and positioning force.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating cam acts as an intermediary between the guide rail and blanks, providing guidance and positioning functions without direct clamping contact. The cam transfers the positioning function from clamping mechanisms to a pushing mechanism, eliminating surface contact that causes pressure marks while maintaining control over blank position.
3Ease of operation
If holding elements are used to position blanks, then blanks can be held in required position, but extensive adjustments are needed when blank thickness changes
Solution Approach 1:
The separating cam's geometric parameters (radius, profile shape) can be adjusted or changed to accommodate different blank thicknesses. Instead of repositioning multiple holding elements, the cam's effective contact point and pushing force automatically adapt to varying blank dimensions through parameter changes in its profile or rotation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating cam serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides blanks, positions them, separates them from the feed stream, and accommodates varying thicknesses. This single multi-functional component replaces multiple specialized holding elements, providing universal adaptability to different blank specifications without requiring system reconfiguration.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3d
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the extrusion of round blanks (1), comprising an extrusion sleeve (2) and a die (3), by means of which the round blanks (1) can be pressed in the extrusion sleeve (2), as well as a feeding device (4, 5, 6) by means of which the round blanks (1) can be transported between the die (3) and the extrusion sleeve (2), wherein the feeding device (4, 5, 6) comprises a guide rail (4) in which the round blanks (1) are arranged one behind the other and at the lower end thereof means (5, 6) are arranged for separating the round blanks (1). The invention is characterized in that the separating means (5, 6) comprise a separating cam (5) that is rotatable about a rotating axis (5a) in a direction of rotation (5b), the outer surface of said separating cam comprising at least one convex region (5c), whose distance to the rotating axis (5a) decreases in the rotating direction (5b) of the cam (5), and at least one concave region (5d), whose curvature radius is adapted to the diameter of the round blanks (1).