Patents by Inventor Andreas Stranz
Andreas Stranz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11607755Abstract: A fixture assembly for supporting a plurality of blanks during a welding operation. The fixture assembly includes a frame. A plurality of electromagnets are positioned on the frame for supporting the blanks and for drawing the blanks toward the electromagnets to secure the blanks into a desired position. A plurality of intensifiers are moveably connected to the frame for selectively overlying the top face of one of the electromagnets for clamping the blank against the electromagnet to intensify a magnetic force provided by the electromagnet. A plurality of electromagnet adjusters are each coupled with the frame and with at least one of the electromagnets for moving the electromagnets relative to the frame. A plurality of adjusting pins are each connected to the frame and moveable relative to the frame for adjusting a position of the blanks.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Andreas Stranz, Florian Hanschmann
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Patent number: 11400507Abstract: A method for at least locally increasing the plasticity of a metal workpiece, which contains in particular an aluminum alloy, wherein the workpiece is irradiated in order to increase its temperature, and an associated production device, is provided. In order to be able to more quickly and thoroughly heat specific regions of a metal workpiece than other regions in a targeted manner, wherein it is possible to heat these regions more quickly and thoroughly with the same radiation output, while the surface of the workpiece remains largely unaffected, it is proposed that an absorbent be applied at least locally to the workpiece prior to irradiation thereof, wherein the degree of absorption of the absorbent for the radiation is greater than the degree of absorption of the workpiece for the radiation.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2017Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Cosma Engineering Europe GmbHInventors: Thomas Reininger, Andreas Stranz, Christian Juricek
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Publication number: 20210178529Abstract: A fixture assembly for supporting a plurality of blanks during a welding operation. The fixture assembly includes a frame. A plurality of electromagnets are positioned on the frame for supporting the blanks and for drawing the blanks toward the electromagnets to secure the blanks into a desired position. A plurality of intensifiers are moveably connected to the frame for selectively overlying the top face of one of the electromagnets for clamping the blank against the electromagnet to intensify a magnetic force provided by the electromagnet. A plurality of electromagnet adjusters are each coupled with the frame and with at least one of the electromagnets for moving the electromagnets relative to the frame. A plurality of adjusting pins are each connected to the frame and moveable relative to the frame for adjusting a position of the blanks.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2018Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: Andreas STRANZ, Florian HANSCHMANN
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Publication number: 20190134692Abstract: A method for at least locally increasing the plasticity of a metal workpiece, which contains in particular an aluminum alloy, wherein the workpiece is irradiated in order to increase its temperature, and an associated production device, is provided. In order to be able to more quickly and thoroughly heat specific regions of a metal workpiece than other regions in a targeted manner, wherein it is possible to heat these regions more quickly and thoroughly with the same radiation output, while the surface of the workpiece remains largely unaffected, it is proposed that an absorbent be applied at least locally to the workpiece prior to irradiation thereof, wherein the degree of absorption of the absorbent for the radiation is greater than the degree of absorption of the workpiece for the radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2017Publication date: May 9, 2019Applicant: Cosma Engineering Europe GmbHInventors: Thomas REININGER, Andreas STRANZ, Christian JURICEK
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Patent number: 10124389Abstract: A traverse strut for use in a twist beam axle assembly is provided. The traverse strut extends along a length and presents a central section; a pair of end sections; and a pair of intermediate sections between the central section and the respective end sections. At least a portion of the central section has a first wall thickness, at least a portion of each end section has a second wall thickness that is greater than the first wall thickness and at least a portion of each intermediate section has a third wall thickness that is greater than the second wall thickness. Additionally, at least two of the central, intermediate and end sections is work hardened. The transverse strut has improved performance and lower weight as compared to other known transverse struts.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2017Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Andreas Stranz, Edward William Schleichert
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Publication number: 20170291207Abstract: A traverse strut for use in a twist beam axle assembly is provided. The traverse strut extends along a length and presents a central section; a pair of end sections; and a pair of intermediate sections between the central section and the respective end sections. At least a portion of the central section has a first wall thickness, at least a portion of each end section has a second wall thickness that is greater than the first wall thickness and at least a portion of each intermediate section has a third wall thickness that is greater than the second wall thickness. Additionally, at least two of the central, intermediate and end sections is work hardened. The transverse strut has improved performance and lower weight as compared to other known transverse struts.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2017Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: Andreas Stranz, Edward William Schleichert
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Patent number: 9636736Abstract: The invention is intended to improve a method for explosive forming of a workpiece by means of gas explosion, in which the workpiece is arranged in a intake area of a moulding tool, wherein the intake area is at least partially filled with liquid and the explosion is triggered by ignition of an explosive gas mixture, to the effect that the method is suitable and simplified for mass production. This object is solved by a method for explosive forming of a workpiece by means of gas explosion, in which the workpiece is arranged in a intake area of a moulding tool, wherein the intake area is at least partially filled with liquid and the explosion is triggered by means of ignition of an explosive gas mixture, in which the explosive gas mixture is provided at least partially above the surface of the liquid before the ignition.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Inventors: Alexander Zak, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Andreas Stranz, Philipp Stoeger
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Patent number: 9393606Abstract: Through the invention, an ignition device for explosive forming of work pieces in a forming die, which has an ignition mechanism and an ignition tube, and in which the ignition tube guides the explosion ignited by the ignition mechanism into the work piece inserted in the forming die, is to be improved, in that it permits, in practice, an arrangement of the ignition mechanism and forming die that is easier to handle and geared toward the occurring explosion forces. This task is solved by an ignition device, in which a curved guide is provided between the ignition mechanism and the forming die.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Cosma Engineering Europe AGInventors: Andreas Stranz, Alexander Zak, Philipp Stoeger
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Publication number: 20160089709Abstract: The invention is intended to improve a method for explosive forming of a workpiece by means of gas explosion, in which the workpiece is arranged in a intake area of a moulding tool, wherein the intake area is at least partially filled with liquid and the explosion is triggered by ignition of an explosive gas mixture, to the effect that the method is suitable and simplified for mass production. This object is solved by a method for explosive forming of a workpiece by means of gas explosion, in which the workpiece is arranged in a intake area of a moulding tool, wherein the intake area is at least partially filled with liquid and the explosion is triggered by means of ignition of an explosive gas mixture, in which the explosive gas mixture is provided at least partially above the surface of the liquid before the ignition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2014Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: Alexander Zak, Seetarama S. KOTAGIRI, Andreas STRANZ, Philipp STOEGER
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Patent number: 9296030Abstract: With the invention, a method and device for explosive forming of work pieces, in which at least one work piece is arranged in at least one die and deformed by means of an explosive to be ignited, is to be improved, in that an ignition mechanism that is technically simple to handle, is produced with the shortest possible setup time, which permits the most precise possible ignition of the explosive with time-repeatable accuracy. This task is solved by a method and device, in which at least one work piece is arranged in at least one die and deformed by means of an explosive to be ignited, in which the explosive is ignited by means of induction.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Cosma Engineering Europe AGInventors: Andreas Stranz, Alexander Zak
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Patent number: 8939743Abstract: With the invention, a device for fluid feed for explosive forming, which has a valve and an activating mechanism to activate the valve, is to be improved, so that the device permits both good filling of a die with fluid and good sealing during the explosive forming process in a technically simple design. This task is solved by a device for fluid feed for explosive forming that has a valve and an activating mechanism to activate the valve, in which the activating mechanism is arranged separate from the valve in an inactivated valve state.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2008Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Cosma Engineering Europe AGInventors: Andreas Stranz, Alexander Zak
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Patent number: 8875553Abstract: The invention is intended to improve a tool arrangement and method for explosive forming of a workpiece by means of gas explosion, in which the workpiece is arranged in a intake area of a molding tool, wherein the intake area is at least partially filled with liquid and the explosion is triggered by means of ignition of an explosive gas mixture, to the effect that the tool arrangement and the method are suitable and simplified for mass production. This object is solved by means of a tool arrangement and a method for explosive forming of a workpiece by means of gas explosion, in which the workpiece is arranged in a intake area of a molding tool, wherein the intake area is at least partially filled with liquid and the explosion is triggered by means of ignition of an explosive gas mixture, in which the explosive gas mixture is provided at least partially above the surface of the liquid before the ignition.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2007Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Cosma Engineering Europe AGInventors: Alexander Zak, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Andreas Stranz, Philipp Stoeger
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Publication number: 20140318203Abstract: With the invention, a method and device for explosive forming of work pieces, in which at least one work piece is arranged in at least one die and deformed by means of an explosive to be ignited, is to be improved, in that an ignition mechanism that is technically simple to handle, is produced with the shortest possible setup time, which permits the most precise possible ignition of the explosive with time-repeatable accuracy. This task is solved by a method and device, in which at least one work piece is arranged in at least one die and deformed by means of an explosive to be ignited, in which the explosive is ignited by means of induction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventors: Andreas Stranz, Alexander Zak
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Patent number: 8713982Abstract: The invention relates to a device for explosive forming of workpieces, comprising an ignition chamber and an ignition mechanism, wherein an explosive agent can be ignited at an ignition location in the ignition chamber using the ignition mechanism, and an ignition chamber outlet is provided, to be improved such that the ignition mechanism has a longer service life. The aim is achieved by a device wherein an impact breaker is provided in the propagation path (37) of the detonation wave.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Andreas Stranz, Alexander Zak
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Patent number: 8650921Abstract: With the invention, a method and device for explosive forming of work pieces, in which at least one work piece is arranged in at least one die and deformed by means of an explosive to be ignited, is to be improved, in that an ignition mechanism that is technically simple to handle, is produced with the shortest possible setup time, which permits the most precise possible ignition of the explosive with time-repeatable accuracy. This task is solved by a method and device, in which at least one work piece is arranged in at least one die and deformed by means of an explosive to be ignited, in which the explosive is ignited by means of induction.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Cosma Engineering Europe AGInventors: Andreas Stranz, Alexander Zak
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Patent number: 8516866Abstract: A device for explosive forming of a tubular work piece includes a multipart explosive forming die, which defines a forming area having an inner surface corresponding to a final shape of the tubular work piece and a nozzle arrangement disposed adjacent to the forming area. The device also includes a plug for forming a seal by simultaneously deforming an end of the work piece and clamping the deformed end between the plug and a facing surface of the nozzle arrangement. In this way, the work piece itself contributes to the sealing of an internal explosion space. With insertion of new work piece blanks, and introduction of the plug during each individual forming process, new seals are produced in a convenient manner during subsequent forming processes. The device supports a simplified handling approach and integrates several functions into one working step, resulting in a shorter cycle times and cost-effective industrial production.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Franz Trubert, Alexander Zak, Andreas Stranz
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Publication number: 20130140785Abstract: A traverse strut for use in a twist beam axle assembly is provided. The traverse strut extends along a length and presents a central section; a pair of end sections; and a pair of intermediate sections between the central section and the respective end sections. At least a portion of the central section has a first wall thickness, at least a portion of each end section has a second wall thickness that is greater than the first wall thickness and at least a portion of each intermediate section has a third wall thickness that is greater than the second wall thickness. Additionally, at least two of the central, intermediate and end sections is work hardened. The transverse strut has improved performance and lower weight as compared to other known transverse struts.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventors: Andreas Stranz, Edward William Schleichert
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Patent number: 8250892Abstract: Through the invention, a closure device for explosive forming with a connection unit movable relative to the explosive forming die between a working position on the die and a rest position is to be configured, so that the explosive forming die can be closed in simple and reliable fashion and, at the same time, the explosion forces supported. This task is solved by a closure device, in which a wedge structure is guided to move on a static holding structure and is motion-coupled to the connection unit, the resulting movement of the connection unit being directed across the movement of the wedge structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Cosma Engineering Europe AGInventors: Alexander Zak, Valentine Flitsch, Andreas Stranz
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Patent number: 8252210Abstract: With the invention, a method and a device for explosive forming of work pieces, in which at least one work piece is arranged in at least one die and there deformed by means of an explosive to be ignited, is to be improved, in that an ignition mechanism that is technically easy to handle is produced with the shortest possible setup times, which permits the most precise possible ignition of the explosive with time-repeatable accuracy. This task is solved by a method and device, in which at least one work piece is arranged in at least one die and deformed there by means of an explosive being ignited, in which the explosive is ignited by means of at least one energy beam.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2007Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Cosma Engineering Europe AGInventors: Alexander Zak, Andreas Stranz
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Publication number: 20120024029Abstract: A device for explosive forming of a tubular work piece includes a multipart explosive forming die, which defines a forming area having an inner surface corresponding to a final shape of the tubular work piece and a nozzle arrangement disposed adjacent to the forming area. The device also includes a plug for forming a seal by simultaneously deforming an end of the work piece and clamping the deformed end between the plug and a facing surface of the nozzle arrangement. In this way, the work piece itself contributes to the sealing of an internal explosion space. With insertion of new work piece blanks, and introduction of the plug during each individual forming process, new seals are produced in a convenient manner during subsequent forming processes. The device supports a simplified handling approach and integrates several functions into one working step, resulting in a shorter cycle times and cost-effective industrial production.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: Franz Trubert, Alexander Zak, Andreas Stranz