Bridge Tool for Producing Extruded Profiled Elements of Varying Cross-section

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention presents a novel bridge tool designed for direct extrusion of hollow profiles with variable cross-sections and wall thickness. It features a mandrel element with an axially movable inner sliding mandrel and special wedge-shaped elements that can precisely adjust the inner contour and thickness of the extruded profile during manufacture. The mechanism reduces vibrations and improves the precision and durability compared to existing methods.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Production of lightweight metal profiles for automotive or aerospace components where variable wall thickness is needed for strength optimization.
• Manufacture of piping, tubing, or hollow structural sections with customized thicknesses along their length, such as in construction or infrastructure.
• Creation of tailored frames, beams, or support elements in machinery or vehicles, reducing excess material and weight.
• Production of energy absorption structures (e.g., crash zones, safety rails) with variable cross-section for enhanced performance.
• Medical device component fabrication (e.g., custom stents, orthopedic supports) where variable profile is required.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables highly precise control over profile wall thickness and internal contour during extrusion, allowing material savings and improved design optimization.
• Reduces mechanical vibrations and stresses in the mandrel, increasing tool life and product consistency.
• Allows the production of complex, non-uniform hollow profiles in a single process, eliminating costly post-processing steps.
• Enhances structural efficiency by tailoring wall thickness only where needed, reducing weight without sacrificing strength.
• Improves reproducibility and part quality due to reduced mandrel deflection and better control over force application.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a bridge tool for a device for directly extruding hollow profiled elements of variable wall thickness, comprising a die (6) and at least one mandrel element (5) having a first end facing the die opening and an opposite second end, the outer profile contour of a hollow profiled element being defined by the geometry of the die opening and the inner cross-section of a hollow profiled element being defined by the at least one mandrel element (5), characterized in that the at least one mandrel element (5) has at least one cut-out, in which an inner sliding mandrel is arranged, said inner sliding mandrel being mounted for movement in the axial direction, the inner sliding mandrel having different cross-sections in the first end region of the inner sliding mandrel facing the first end of the mandrel element.