Selectable Punch Unit for High-Throughput Cambered Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing punch units are not suited for high-throughput hole punching in profiles, particularly in U-profiles for truck or trailer chassis, as they have fixed mechanical constructions that cannot handle varying hole diameters and positions, and do not account for camber in the profiles, leading to potential distortions and assembly issues.
Innovation Solution
A punch unit with a clamp, slideable first die shoe, second die shoe, and transmission shaft, equipped with a selection control that allows for the displacement of multiple punches in a semi-regular pattern, enabling high-throughput hole punching while accommodating cambered profiles by repositioning them for accurate hole placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mechanical construction is used in the punch unit, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot handle varying hole diameters and positions, reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The punch unit employs a dynamic selection mechanism that allows different punches to be activated based on the required hole pattern. The system can dynamically select which punches to use for each positioning, enabling adaptation to varying hole diameters and positions without requiring a completely fixed mechanical construction for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The punch unit is designed with multiple punches arranged in different positions and with different diameters, all within a single universal device. This multi-functional design allows the same punch unit to handle various hole punching requirements by selecting appropriate punches, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fixed devices.
2Productivity
If holes are punched at high pace with multiple punches simultaneously, then productivity increases, but the selection control and coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into individual punch selection controls, where each punch can be independently selected and activated. This segmentation allows the complex task of coordinating multiple punches to be broken down into simpler independent decisions for each punch, managing the overall complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary selection of which punches to activate before the actual punching operation begins. This preliminary action allows the control system to prepare the appropriate punch configuration in advance, enabling high-speed operation without real-time decision-making complexity during the actual punching process.
3Manufacturing precision
If the clamp is slideable to reposition profiles, then accuracy in accommodating camber is improved, but the device complexity and potential positioning errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed to be slideable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the profile position. This dynamic capability enables the system to accommodate camber in the profiles by repositioning them before punching, improving manufacturing precision while using a relatively simple sliding mechanism rather than a complex active repositioning system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables high-throughput hole punching in profiles with varying hole diameters and positions, ensuring accurate placement even in cambered U-profiles, thereby preventing distortions and facilitating easy assembly by allowing for semi-regular patterns and adapting to profile camber.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission shaft, configured for translating a rotational movement to a linear movement and configured for displacing said punches in a stroke direction, transverse to said first direction
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention relates to a punch unit for punching holes in a profile comprising a clamp, slideable in a first direction; a first die shoe, comprising at least two punches; a second die shoe; and a transmission shaft, configured for translating a rotational movement to a linear movement and configured for displacing said punches in a stroke direction; wherein the punch unit comprises a selection control for selecting punches to be displaced by the transmission shaft in the stroke direction. The inventions also relates to a method for punching of holes in a profile with high-throughput comprising clamping a profile in a clamp of a punch unit; displacing the profile in the punch unit by sliding the clamp in a first direction; and punching at least one hole in the profile by the punch unit; wherein one or more punches of the punch unit are selected by a selection control, comprised in the punch unit, for punching said at least one hole.