External-Spring Stock Lifter Assembly to Reduce Shearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metal forming dies are labor-intensive and costly to design, manufacture, and modify due to the custom nature of their components, and existing stock lifter assemblies are prone to sheering and require complex machining, leading to inefficiencies and high expenses.
Innovation Solution
A stock lifter assembly for progressive metal forming dies featuring a cylindrical guide pin body with a cap and base, secured by a spring member and retainer, which reduces the number of components and simplifies installation, minimizing the risk of sheering and allowing for easier assembly and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional custom-designed stock lifter assemblies are used in metal forming dies, then the lifting function is achieved, but the number of components increases and the risk of sheering occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traditional stock lifter components (pin, guide, retainer, spring) into a single integrated cylindrical body with internal features. The guide pin body includes internal grooves for retainers, internal bores for springs, and external lifting surfaces, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical guide pin body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the stock, provides lifting surfaces, houses retaining mechanisms, and contains spring elements. This multi-functional design reduces the overall component count while achieving the same lifting and guiding functions as traditional multi-component assemblies
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional custom-designed stock lifter assemblies are used in metal forming dies, then the lifting function is achieved, but the machining complexity and lead time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple features into a single cylindrical body, the patent reduces the number of machining operations required. Instead of machining separate pins, guides, and retainers individually, the unified design allows for more efficient machining processes and reduces setup time, thereby decreasing lead time and improving ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical body is designed with segmented internal features (grooves, bores, chambers) that can be machined using standardized processes. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing approaches and simplifies the machining sequence, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and lead time
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional stock lifter assemblies with multiple components are used, then the lifting function is achieved, but the assembly and repair costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated cylindrical design eliminates multiple assembly steps and fasteners required in traditional multi-component assemblies. The unified structure reduces assembly time and labor costs while minimizing potential failure points associated with multiple interfaces and connections, thereby improving reliability and reducing repair costs
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 stock lifter assembly reduces the complexity and cost of die assembly, enhances precision, and minimizes the risk of component failure, thereby improving the efficiency and reducing the lead time for die setup and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member that has a generally hollow interior with an outer end portion oriented toward the stock piece and an inner end portion oriented away from the stock piece. The outer end portion of the spring member contacts a surface of the outer end portion of the cap. The inner end portion of the spring member contacts the exterior shoulder formed on the base.
Data Source
AI summary
A stock lifter for metal forming dies includes a self-contained assembly. The assembly includes a guide pin that reciprocates within a base. A hardened end cap, which contacts the stock, is attached to the guide pin. A spring is located on the exterior surface of a portion of the base and surrounds the guide pin body. One end of the spring contacts a surface on the cap, while the other end of the spring contacts a surface on the base or an optional mounting flange that is attached above the base. Thus, the stock lifter assembly has a hardened cap for the stock to slide on and a larger, externally mounted spring that provides longer life for the stock lifter. The stock lifter assembly can be made of several different lengths and sizes by using longer or wider guide pins and springs.