Trimming Tool with Movable Blade for Variable Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for trimming motor vehicle body stampings are expensive due to the need for multiple stamping presses with specific tooling for different wheel arch profiles, limiting the ability to efficiently trim according to various profiles.

Innovation Solution

A trimming tool with a movable frame and adjustable cutting blades that can switch between two cutting profiles using elastic means and locking mechanisms, allowing a single press to handle different trimming profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple stamping presses with specific tooling are used for different wheel arch profiles, then trimming accuracy for different profiles is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrimming accuracyVSAvoidnumber of presses and tooling
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trimming tool is designed with a movable blade that can be positioned in different locations to define different cutting profiles. A single stamping press with this adjustable tooling can trim wheel arches for multiple vehicle models, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated presses and reducing device complexity while maintaining trimming accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The blade is made movable along the support surface, allowing its position to be changed dynamically. This enables the same tool to adapt to different trimming profiles by repositioning the blade, rather than requiring fixed tooling for each profile

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple stamping presses with specific tooling are used for different wheel arch profiles, then trimming capability for various profiles is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrimming capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tooling design allows a single press to perform trimming operations for different vehicle models and wheel arch profiles by adjusting the blade position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to manufacture multiple expensive presses, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting profile is segmented into different sections, with the blade capable of being positioned at different locations along the support surface. This segmentation allows the same tool to create different trimming profiles by selecting which segment of the support surface engages with the blade

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If a single press with adjustable tooling is used, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but the ability to switch between different trimming profiles may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidnumber of trimming profiles
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is designed to be movable along the support surface, enabling dynamic repositioning to accommodate different trimming profiles. This dynamic capability allows a single press to handle multiple profiles, maintaining adaptability while reducing the need for multiple presses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables economical trimming of stampings according to two different profiles using a single press, reducing the need for multiple presses and tooling, thereby lowering costs and increasing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the second frame comprises elastic means exerting an elastic force on the second cutting blade tending to move it towards the extended position with respect to the first cutting blade

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a first cutting blade fixed relative to said frame and capable of cooperating with the first cutting edge; the support surface is formed by a support and a movable blade comprising the first cutting edge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShear stress: Shear Stress

Data Source

PatentEP3271093B1Tool for trimming press-formed parts
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3271093B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3271093B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a tool (8) for trimming a packing (14), said tool comprising: a first frame (10) with a surface (12) for supporting the packing, said surface comprising a first cutting edge (26); a second frame (16) with a press (18), and a first blade (22) capable of engaging with the first edge; the supporting surface is made up of a mounting (30) and a mobile blade (28) comprising the first edge, said blade being movable along said mounting which comprises a second edge (32), the movement of said blade making it possible to uncover said second edge; the second frame comprises a second blade (24) sliding between the first blade and the press, and capable of engaging with the second edge. The invention also relates to a method implemented by such a tool (8).