Bottomed Tubular Electrode Forming Without Extra Transfer Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional processing apparatuses for manufacturing spark plug electrodes require a longer machining process due to unnecessary steps in transferring the workpiece between the die block and the ram, which increases processing time.
Innovation Solution
A processing apparatus with a die block and a ram that includes a cutting portion to form a workpiece, where the workpiece is transferred between the ram and the die block, and a recessed die that molds the workpiece into a bottomed tubular shape, allowing the punch to exit with the molded workpiece, eliminating the need for an additional forward movement of the ram to transfer the workpiece, and incorporating a movable stripper for enhanced design freedom and material flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the ram moves forward relative to the die block to transfer the workpiece, then the workpiece can be transferred from the die block to the ram, but this results in a longer machining process due to unnecessary transfer steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the workpiece transfer function with the molding operation by designing the punch to exit the recessed die with the molded workpiece already attached to it. This eliminates the need for a separate transfer step, merging two operations (molding and transfer) into one continuous action, thereby reducing machining time and improving productivity
2Ease of operation
If the workpiece is transferred from the die block to the ram without being processed, then the transfer operation can be completed, but this results in a longer working process
Solution Approach 1:
The punch performs preliminary molding action on the workpiece while it is still in the die block, and the workpiece remains attached to the punch during exit and transfer. This preliminary molding action ensures the workpiece is ready for transfer without requiring additional processing steps, improving working process efficiency while maintaining ease of operation
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 configuration shortens the working process by eliminating unnecessary steps, ensuring easy attachment and detachment of the workpiece to the punch, and enhancing the design freedom of the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one recessed die of the plurality of dies molds the workpiece into a bottomed tubular shape by the corresponding punch
Data Source
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AI summary
A processing apparatus (30) for processing a workpiece (54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59) by transferring the workpiece (54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59) between a ram (33) and a die block (32). At least one recessed die (80) of a plurality of dies (60, 70, 80, 90) molds the workpiece (58) into a bottomed tubular shape by a punch (131). The punch (131), among a plurality of punches (101, 111, 121, 131), that has entered the recessed die (80) exits from the recessed die (80) with the formed workpiece (58) being attached to the punch (131), together with the workpiece (58). Since the workpiece (58) is transferred from the die block (32) to the ram (33) when the punch (131) exits from the die (80), a step of moving the ram (33) forward relative to the die block (32) to transfer the workpiece (58) from the die block (32) to the ram (33) can be omitted accordingly.