Shimless Die Shoe Assembly for Precise Die Height Adjustment

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional die shoe assemblies that use shims for adjusting the height of dies in punch press tooling are time-consuming and uncertain, leading to delays in the machining process due to the need for trial and error in achieving the correct vertical positioning.

Innovation Solution

Die shoe assemblies with guide plates and bases that include apertures and recesses, allowing for adjustable die platforms that can be precisely adjusted vertically using mechanisms such as threading or gear systems, enabling quick and accurate adjustments without the need for shims.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If shims are used to adjust die height, then the die can be raised back to the warranted height after sharpening, but the machining process is delayed due to trial and error in achieving the correct height

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical positioning accuracy of dieVSAvoidsetup time for die height adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The die platform is pre-configured with threading or gear mechanisms that allow for quick adjustment. The adjustment mechanism is prepared in advance with defined iterations, so when height adjustment is needed, the operator can simply rotate the platform through the pre-defined iterations to achieve the correct height without trial and error with shims.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The die platform's vertical position is changed by rotating it through defined iterations, where each iteration represents a quantifiable change in height. This parameter-based adjustment system replaces the qualitative trial-and-error process of shim selection with a precise, measurable rotation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If shims are used for die height adjustment, then the die can be repositioned vertically, but there is uncertainty in achieving the correct height requiring multiple shim combinations to be tried

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of die positionVSAvoidconsistency of die height positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism provides feedback through defined iterations, where each rotation increment corresponds to a known, quantifiable height change. This feedback system allows the operator to know exactly how much the die height has changed with each iteration, eliminating the uncertainty inherent in trial-and-error shim selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The die platform is pre-configured with threading or gear mechanisms that allow for quick adjustment. The adjustment mechanism is prepared in advance with defined iterations, so when height adjustment is needed, the operator can simply rotate the platform through the pre-defined iterations to achieve the correct height without trial and error with shims.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional die shoes with shims are used, then the die can be adjusted vertically, but the process is time-consuming and delays production

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical adjustment capability of dieVSAvoidmachining cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The die platform is pre-configured with threading or gear mechanisms that allow for quick adjustment. The adjustment mechanism is prepared in advance with defined iterations, so when height adjustment is needed, the operator can simply rotate the platform through the pre-defined iterations to achieve the correct height without trial and error with shims.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical shim-based adjustment system is replaced with a rotational mechanism (threading or gear system) that provides more efficient height adjustment. This substitution transforms the slow, trial-and-error mechanical process into a faster, more controlled rotational adjustment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 efficient and accurate vertical positioning of dies, reducing setup time and uncertainty, allowing for precise machining without the delays associated with shim-based adjustments, with each iteration of adjustment representing a quantifiable change in vertical position.

Implementation Method 1

The die platforms are threadedly received within corresponding ones of the recesses and selectively adjustable to differing vertical positions as warranted relative to inner threading defining the recesses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreading: Screw

Implementation Method 2

a defined extent of rotation of the mechanism represents a quantifiable iteration of adjustment in vertical position of the at least one die platform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS11724300B2Die shoe assemblies configured for shimless adjustment

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 WILSON TOOL INT INC

AI summary

Various designs of die shoe assemblies are provided, each assembly configured to adjust vertical positioning of a die platform within the assembly, in order to correspondingly adjust vertical positioning of a die used with the assembly. The assemblies address limitations often associated with conventional die shoes designed to be used with shims. The assemblies use various methods and corresponding mechanisms to make the adjustment a time efficient process, while in so doing also enabling the desired extent of adjustment to be effectively and accurately provided.