Adjustable Swing Lever Assembly for Variable Ram Stroke Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing swing lever assemblies in bodymakers have a fixed ram stroke length, which limits flexibility and requires precise alignment, leading to potential damage from misalignment with the die pack and other components during the can-forming process.
Innovation Solution
A swing lever assembly with an elongated body featuring a settable shape mounting component at the second end, allowing the axle to be moved relative to the swing lever body, thereby altering the ram stroke length and eliminating the need for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed ram stroke length is used in the swing lever assembly, then the structure is simple and rigid, but the flexibility is limited and precise alignment is required which may lead to damage from misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the swing lever body adjustable in length through a telescopic mechanism. The swing lever body includes a first portion and a second portion that can be moved relative to each other along the longitudinal axis, allowing the overall length to be adjusted. This enables the ram stroke length to be varied to match different die pack positions, providing flexibility while maintaining structural integrity through the unitary construction of the swing lever assembly.
2Reliability
If precise alignment between the swing lever assembly and die pack is required, then the fixed structure is stable, but misalignment can cause damage to components
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable length mechanism allows the swing lever assembly to adapt to variations in die pack positioning. By moving the second portion of the swing lever body along the longitudinal axis, the system can compensate for misalignment, reducing the risk of damage to the punch, die pack, and other components while maintaining reliable operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ram stroke length needs to be altered, then flexibility is improved, but substantial components must be decoupled and realigned which is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The swing lever body is designed as a unitary construction with a telescopic mechanism that allows the second portion to be moved relative to the first portion along the longitudinal axis. This internal adjustment mechanism enables stroke length changes without requiring decoupling of substantial external components, significantly simplifying the adjustment process and reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The second portion of the swing lever body is nested within or alongside the first portion, allowing it to be moved along the longitudinal axis while remaining part of the integrated swing lever assembly. This nesting arrangement enables compact adjustment of the stroke length without increasing the overall footprint or requiring complex external reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A swing lever assembly includes an elongated swing lever body including a first end, a medial portion, and a second end. The swing lever body first end defines a pivotal coupling. The swing lever body medial portion defines a rotational coupling. The swing lever body second end defines a rotational coupling. Further, the swing lever body second end rotational coupling includes a settable shape mounting first component.