Two-Module Press-In Assembly for High-Force Thread-Safe Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing press-in devices, such as C-frames and manual systems, are inflexible, expensive, and limited in their ability to apply high joining forces without damaging threads, making them unsuitable for various workpiece geometries and materials like steel, aluminum, and magnesium.
Innovation Solution
A two-part press-in device with a pulling unit and a clamping device, where the pulling rod is movable and the clamping device grips the rod under tensile force, allowing for flexible operation and high-force application without engaging threads, enabling manual or automated press-in of press-in elements into workpieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If C-bolt press-fit stations are used to transmit high joining forces, then the joining force capacity is improved, but the device weight and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The press-fit device is divided into two separate modules: a first module with the pulling unit that can be positioned on one side of the workpiece, and a second module with the clamping device that forms the counter-bearing. This segmentation eliminates the need for a complex C-frame structure while maintaining high force transmission capability through the pull rod and clamping mechanism.
2Force
If C-bolt press-fit stations are used for high joining forces, then the force transmission capability is improved, but the adaptability to different workpiece geometries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the pressing operation into two independent modules that can be positioned on opposite sides of the workpiece, the system gains flexibility to accommodate various workpiece geometries. The pull rod can extend through workpiece openings while the clamping device adapts to different configurations, enabling force application without requiring a fixed C-frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull rod is designed to be movable and extendable, allowing dynamic adjustment of the device configuration to match different workpiece geometries. The pull rod can extend through openings in the workpiece to connect the two modules, providing adaptability while maintaining high force transmission capability.
3Device complexity
If manual tools with threads are used for pressing, then the device simplicity is improved, but the joining force capacity deteriorates due to thread load limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The thread connection is extracted and replaced with a clamping mechanism. The clamping device grips the pull rod directly without relying on threaded engagement, eliminating the load-bearing limitation of threads while keeping the device structure simple and manual-operable.
4Force
If C-bolts are used for high-force pressing, then the joining force capacity is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses simpler, more cost-effective components: a pull rod instead of an expensive C-bolt, and a clamping device instead of complex press-fit stations. These components can be manually operated or integrated into automated systems, providing high force capacity at lower cost.
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 device provides flexible, cost-effective, and high-force press-in capabilities suitable for various workpiece geometries and materials, avoiding thread damage and enabling efficient assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
a pulling unit with a pulling rod pointing towards the workpiece and movable along its axis... wherein the clamping device forms a counter-bearing for the press-fit element
Implementation Method 2
To prevent the tension rod from detaching from the clamping device under the forces generated during the pressing process, the tension rod has a corresponding surface roughness
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a press-in device and a method for inserting a press-in element (34) into a workpiece (26) comprising: • a first module (12a) provided on a first side of the workpiece (26), wherein the first module (12a) has: ∘ a pull unit (20) with a pull rod (32) pointing towards the workpiece and movable along its axis, ∘ a hold-down device (24), wherein the hold-down device (24) encloses the pull unit (20) and forms an abutment for the workpiece (26); • a second module (12b) provided on the opposite second side of the workpiece (26), wherein the second module (12b) has: • a clamping device (38) for releasably gripping the pull rod (32), wherein the clamping device forms an abutment for the press-in element (34).