Vertical Bending Die for Automotive Suspension Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manufacturing apparatuses for automotive suspension arms require a large installation area and are costly due to complex structures, especially when horizontal pressing machines are used for bending, and automated transportation is not easily facilitated.
Innovation Solution
A bending die with a lower die contact portion and an upper die contact portion, designed to vertically press rod-like raw materials, reducing the lateral width and enabling automated transportation through a moving mechanism, simplifying the manufacturing apparatus structure and reducing installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a horizontal pressing machine is used for bending, then the bending function is achieved, but the lateral width of the device is increased and large installation area is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal pressing approach by implementing a vertical pressing mechanism. The upper bending die moves vertically downward to bend the rod-like raw material between the upper and lower bending dies, which reduces the lateral width requirement and minimizes installation area while achieving the same bending function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressing direction from horizontal to vertical, utilizing the vertical dimension for the bending operation. This dimensional change allows the equipment to have a compact footprint in the horizontal plane, thereby reducing installation area while maintaining effective bending capability.
2Extent of automation
If a transfer feeder with complicated structure is used, then automated transportation is achieved, but the device structure becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex transfer feeder mechanism from the overall manufacturing system. Instead of using a sophisticated multi-component transfer feeder with movable gripping claws and transmission mechanisms, the invention employs a simpler conveying mechanism that directly transports bent materials from the bending die to the forging die, achieving automated transportation with reduced structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-functional die structure where the lower bending die also serves as a support for the bent material during the forging operation. This integration reduces the need for separate transportation and handling mechanisms, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining automated material flow.
3Ease of manufacture
If a horizontal pressing machine is installed prior to upsetting step, then bending is performed first, but large installation area is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bending operation with the upsetting operation by positioning the bending die and upset die in close proximity and using a vertical pressing mechanism for bending. This integration allows the bending step to be performed in-line with the subsequent upsetting step without requiring additional horizontal space that would be needed for a separate horizontal pressing machine.
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 allows for a simple, low-cost manufacturing apparatus with reduced installation area, facilitating automated manufacturing and achieving high dimensional accuracy and increased apparatus lifetime.
Implementation Method 1
an upper bending die (4) including a pressing portion (5) for vertically pressing a rod-like raw material (20) mounted in a support groove (3a) of the lower bending die (2)
Data Source
AI summary
A bending die used in the apparatus for manufacturing the automotive suspension arm to bend a rod-like raw material and produce a bent material includes a lower bending die including a mounting portion for mounting thereon the rod-like raw material and an upper bending die including a pressing portion for vertically pressing the rod-like raw material mounted on the lower bending die. The mounting portion and the pressing portion include a lower die contact portion and an upper die contact portion each formed into a shape along the bent shape of the bent material to come in contact with the bent material. The lower die contact portion includes, in the middle portion thereof, a groove portion formed to have a size which allows a moving means to grip the bent material in non-contact relation with the bent material.