Tooling Board Clamping Assembly for Precise Flatbed Die-Cutter Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting mechanisms for tooling boards in flat bed die-cutting, stripping, or blanking machines are complex, costly, and time-consuming, requiring numerous parts and precise alignment, which complicates assembly and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A simplified mounting device with moveable clamping jaws actuated by a fixed-position actuator, utilizing a swivel joint and closing spring for easy assembly and stable holding, along with a clamping profile for even force distribution, and an adjustment mechanism for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If complicated clamping and adjustment mechanisms are used to ensure precise alignment and stable positioning of the tooling board, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device is divided into separate functional modules: a clamping unit with first and second clamping jaws for securing the tooling board, and an adjustment unit with a bridge mechanism for precise positioning. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall assembly and reducing the number of parts compared to integrated complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A bridge element is introduced as an intermediary component between the adjustment mechanism and the clamping jaws. The bridge serves as a mediator that transmits adjustment movements to the clamping jaws while maintaining precise geometric relationships, thereby achieving accurate alignment without requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complicated clamping and adjustment mechanisms are used to ensure precise alignment and stable positioning of the tooling board, then reliability is improved, but assembly time and mounting costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device is divided into separate functional modules: a clamping unit with first and second clamping jaws for securing the tooling board, and an adjustment unit with a bridge mechanism for precise positioning. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall assembly and reducing the number of parts compared to integrated complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge element is pre-configured with fixed geometric relationships to the clamping jaws and adjustment mechanism. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the adjustment unit is actuated, the clamping jaws automatically achieve the correct position and orientation, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual alignment and assembly adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If precise alignment mechanisms are used to maintain tooling board position, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and material input increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition accuracyVSAvoidmaterial input
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device is divided into separate functional modules: a clamping unit with first and second clamping jaws for securing the tooling board, and an adjustment unit with a bridge mechanism for precise positioning. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall assembly and reducing the number of parts compared to integrated complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment function is extracted as a separate unit with its own bridge mechanism, distinct from the clamping function. This extraction allows the alignment mechanism to be designed independently with minimal material requirements, using only the essential bridge element and adjustment actuator, while the clamping unit uses separate jaws and springs, reducing overall material input compared to monolithic complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 provides a cost-effective, quick, and precise mounting system that maintains tooling board stability during machine operation, reducing assembly time and material costs while ensuring high precision alignment.

Implementation Method 1

at least one actuator which comprises a moveable piston and a piston rod coupled to the piston, wherein the actuator is configured to transfer the at least one first clamping jaw from the locked position to the unlocked position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear motion mechanism:

Implementation Method 2

at least one closing spring which is arranged so as to move the first clamping jaw towards its locked position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the actuator is coupled to the first clamping jaw via a swivel joint. Due to the swivel joint, the actuator can buckle out in order to overcome geometric and positional tolerances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion: Hinge

Implementation Method 4

the first and the second clamping jaws are configured to clamp a tooling board between each other... a sufficient holding force is exerted on the tooling board to inhibit an unwanted shifting of the tooling board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectClamping force: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4103371B1Device for mounting a tooling board in a flat bed die-cutting, stripping or blanking machine
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 BOBST MEX SA
  • EP4103371B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4103371B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4103371B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A mounting device (12) for mounting a tooling board (14) in a flat bed die-cutting, stripping or blanking machine comprises at least one first clamping jaw (38) which is moveable from an unlocked position, in which a tooling board (14) may be removed from or inserted into the machine, to a locked position, in which a tooling board (14) may be fixed in the machine, at least one actuator (18) which comprises a moveable piston (54) and a piston rod (56) coupled to the piston (54), wherein the actuator (18) is configured to transfer the at least one first clamping jaw (38) from the locked position to the unlocked position, and wherein the actuator (18) is coupled to the at least one clamping jaw (38) via an attachment point (60) which has a fixed position relative to the first clamping jaw (38). Furthermore, a mounting assembly (10) comprising a mounting device (12) is provided.