Spring-Supported Press Tool for Accurate Joining Element Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting auxiliary joining elements to workpieces, particularly in sheet metal, face challenges in achieving a secure and precise connection due to dimensional deviations and lack of precise positioning during the pressing process.
Innovation Solution
A tool with adjustable spring elements allows for precise positioning and orientation of the workpiece relative to the auxiliary joining element, enabling a flush pressing mechanism that induces material flow for a form-fitting connection, using elastically deformable springs to control the pressing process and ensure accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional pressing methods are used to connect auxiliary joining elements to sheet metal workpieces, then the connection process is simple, but dimensional deviations occur and positioning accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-assembled on the tool element at a defined position before the pressing operation. This preliminary positioning ensures that the workpiece is supported at the correct location from the start of the process, eliminating positioning errors that would require complex adjustment mechanisms during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as an intermediary component between the tool element and the workpiece. It provides a compliant supporting surface that adapts to the workpiece geometry while maintaining precise positioning, thereby achieving accurate connection without requiring the tool itself to be complex or adjustable.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid tool elements are used for pressing, then the tool structure is simple, but the workpiece cannot be precisely positioned and oriented during pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element changes its physical state from an uncompressed elastic state to a compressed state during the pressing operation. This parameter change allows the tool element to transition from a non-contact to a contact state with the workpiece, providing precise orientation support only when needed, while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element introduces dynamic compliance to the otherwise rigid tool structure. By allowing elastic deformation during pressing, the spring enables the tool to adapt to workpiece variations and maintain precise orientation without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If manual positioning methods are used, then the tool structure is simple, but dimensional deviations increase and connection quality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element automatically performs the positioning function by virtue of its elastic properties and pre-set geometry. As the tool element approaches the workpiece, the spring compresses and naturally positions itself to support the workpiece at the correct location and orientation, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element provides continuous mechanical feedback during the pressing process. As the workpiece is pressed into the auxiliary joining element, the spring's compression state changes, automatically compensating for dimensional variations and ensuring consistent connection quality without requiring external measurement or control systems.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy and quality of the connection, reduces manual reworking, and minimizes dimensional deviations, allowing for a more reliable and precise attachment of auxiliary joining elements to workpieces, even when made from different materials.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element is elastically deformed, particularly along the movement direction, into the deformation state
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for pressing at least one auxiliary joining element together with a workpiece formed separately from the auxiliary joining element, includes two tool elements which can move towards one another along a movement direction and can thereby move out of an open position into a closed position, between which the workpiece and the auxiliary joining element can be arranged, such that the auxiliary joining element can be pressed together with the workpiece in a joining region of the workpiece by moving the tool elements into the closed position. At least one spring element is retained on the tool elements, and is elastically deformable along the movement direction and thereby transferable out of an initial state into a deformation state, and adopts the initial state in the open position of the tool elements. The workpiece can be supported at least in the open position on the spring element.