Block-set form die assembly
AssigneeNorthrop Grumman Corporation
InventorsJerrell A. Nardiello, Robert J. Christ, John M. Papazian
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A block-set form die assembly (14) for press or stretch forming a product (12), such as a sheet metal product, is provided. In one embodiment, the block-set form die assembly (14) comprises a pin box (18) having a number of pins (20) contained within a containment box (22). The pins (20) within the containment box (22) can extend longitudinally to form a surface contour (24). A set-block (26) engages the pins (20) to set the longitudinal extension of the pins (20) to form the surface contour (24).
Claims21
A block-set form die assembly comprising:
- a pin box having a plurality of pins disposed within a containment box, each pin having a fixed length and operable to longitudinally extend and form a surface contour for forming a product;
- a set-block engaging the pins and comprising a pin cavity corresponding to each pin, each pin cavity having a fixed depth;
- and
- a spacer having a fixed length disposed within at least one pin cavity, wherein the set-block and the spacer are operable to set the longitudinal extension of the pins.
A tooling die assembly for fabricating a product, the tooling die assembly comprising:
- a block-set form die assembly having:
- a pin box having a plurality of pins disposed within a containment box, each pin having a fixed length and operable to longitudinally extend and form a predetermined surface contour;
- and
- a set-block engaging the pins and comprising a pin cavity corresponding to each pin, each pin cavity having a fixed depth;
- and
- a spacer having a fixed length disposed within at least one pin cavity, wherein the set-block and the spacer are operable to set the longitudinal extension of the pins;
- and
- a reactive load assembly operable to react a force on the product and shape the product to the predetermined surface contour.
A method of fabricating a product comprising:
- providing a reactive load assembly;
- providing a block-set form die assembly comprising:
- a pin box having a plurality of pins disposed within a containment box, each pin having a fixed length and operable to longitudinally extend and form a predetermined surface contour;
- a set-block engaging the pins and comprising a pin cavity corresponding to each pin, each pin cavity having a fixed depth;
- and
- a spacer having a fixed length disposed within at least one pin cavity;
- setting the longitudinal position of the pins with the set-block and the spacer;
- and
- pressing a blank between the reactive load assembly and the block-set form die assembly to shape the product.
A block-set form die assembly comprising:
- a pin box having a plurality of pins disposed within a containment box, each pin operable to longitudinally extend and form a surface contour for forming a product;
- and
- a set-block comprising a pin cavity corresponding to each pin, each pin cavity having a fixed depth, the fixed depths having differing lengths for forming a set-block contour associated with the surface contour, wherein the set-block is operable to engage the pins and set the longitudinal extension of the pins at positions corresponding to the surface contour.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.