Rotating Sheet Metal Forming Tool for Versatile Multi-Process Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machining tools for sheet metal forming processes have rigid structures, requiring multiple tools for different forming processes, leading to increased non-productive time and inefficient use of tool magazines due to frequent tool changes.
Innovation Solution
A machining tool system with a receiving body that allows for the non-vertical rotation of tool elements, enabling multiple forming tool elements to be integrated without enlarging the tool's size, allowing for tool changes by simply rotating the receiving body without replacing the entire tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual tools are manufactured for different large-area forming operations, then each forming operation can be performed with a dedicated tool, but the tool magazine size must be increased or tool changes must be performed repeatedly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual forming tools are merged into a single tool holder body that can accommodate several different forming tools simultaneously. The tool holder body functions as a rotating carrier that integrates multiple tool positions, allowing the punching press to access different forming operations without requiring separate tool magazines or frequent tool changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder body is designed as a universal carrier that can hold and rotate to present different forming tools to the punching press. This multi-functional device replaces multiple dedicated tools, enabling a single tool position to perform various forming operations including bead forming, louver formation, embossing, and pinch contours through rotational selection of the appropriate tool face.
2Ease of operation
If several tool elements are attached to a rotatable receiving body, then tool element changes can be made by rotation instead of replacement, but the tool magazine or holder size must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging multiple tool elements in a linear sequence that would increase the length of the tool holder, the tool elements are arranged radially around a central rotation axis. This dimensional reorganization allows multiple tools to be accessed through rotation in a compact cylindrical footprint, reducing the overall volume required compared to a linear arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple tool elements are nested around the central rotation axis of the tool holder body, similar to concentric rings or stacked layers. This nesting arrangement maximizes the use of three-dimensional space within the tool holder, allowing several forming tools to be stored in a compact radial configuration rather than requiring extended linear space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a non-vertical axis of rotation is used for the receiving body, then multiple tool elements can be incorporated without enlarging the tool size, but the tool structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation axis of the tool holder body is positioned asymmetrically and oriented at a non-vertical angle relative to the punching press direction. This asymmetric angular orientation optimizes the spatial distribution of tool elements around the rotation path, allowing compact packaging of multiple tools while maintaining accessibility. The asymmetric angle enables the tool holder to present different tool faces to the punching press without requiring a vertically symmetric arrangement that would increase overall tool height.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The cutting tool has a receiving body (17) for receiving two tool elements (20), a receiver (16), in which the receiving body is rotatably provided around a rotational axis (18). The rotational axis is aligned in a direction different from a vertical direction. The receiving body has two outer surface sections, which are arranged in the circumferential direction at different locations and are fixed at the tool elements. The cutting tool also comprises a tool shank for receiving in a tool receptacle. A drive device is coupled with the receiving body. An independent claim is included for a cutting tool and tool element system with a back taper.