Vehicle Arm Component Yield via Dynamic Width Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The progressive press working method for manufacturing vehicular arm components, as disclosed in Patent Literature 2, requires further enhancement in material yield, particularly when the feed bridge width is set to zero.

Innovation Solution

A manufacturing method and apparatus that incorporates an expanding process to increase the material yield by expanding the workpiece width during the progressive press working method, where the feed bridge width is zero, utilizing a manufacturing apparatus with a forming, cutting, and expanding portion to pressurize and expand the workpiece, allowing for a desired width expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If the feed bridge width is set to zero in progressive press working, then material yield is increased, but the workpiece width cannot be expanded beyond the preset dimension

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial yieldVSAvoidworkpiece width expansion capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic expanding process that occurs after the initial pressing. The workpiece width is not fixed at the preset dimension but can be dynamically expanded to a desired width through additional pressing operations, allowing the system to adapt to different width requirements while maintaining zero feed bridge width for high material yield

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing process is divided into two distinct stages: (1) initial pressing with zero feed bridge width to maximize material yield, and (2) subsequent expanding process to achieve the desired final width. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the workpiece width is preset to a desired width, then the manufacturing process is simple, but material yield cannot be maximized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidmaterial yield
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the pressing operation first with a preset width configuration that is easier to manufacture, and then applies an expanding action to achieve the final desired width. This preliminary action approach allows the initial pressing to be simple while the subsequent expansion maximizes material yield by utilizing the zero feed bridge width configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach significantly increases material yield by allowing the workpiece to be expanded to a desired width, surpassing the yield achieved when the width is preset, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the manufacturing process.

Implementation Method 1

presses a pressurized portion provided in a plane of the workpiece from both sides in a thickness direction to expand a width of the workpiece in a feed direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3375540B1Method and device for manufacturing vehicle arm component
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 YOROZU CORP
  • EP3375540B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3375540B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3375540B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem] To provide a vehicle arm component manufacturing method whereby the yield of a material can be further improved. [Solution] The present invention has: an expanding step (S05) for expanding the X-direction width of a workpiece from a first width (X1) to a second width (X2) by pressing, in the Z direction, a portion (P8) to be applied with pressure, said portion being provided within the surface of the workpiece (W); and a separating step (S06) for cutting down, from a material (M) to be machined, the workpiece the X-direction width of which has been expanded to the first width.