NL2032553B1

NL2032553B1 - Aligment tool and its method of manufacturing, and method for punching

Info

Publication number: NL2032553B1
Application number: NL2032553A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Van Dusseldorp Vincent
Original assignee: Van Dusseldorp Vincent
Priority date: 2022-07-20
Filing date: 2022-07-20
Publication date: 2024-01-29

Abstract

The invention relates to an alignment tool for aiding in the alignment of a punch with respect to an object to be punched, such as a planar object, the alignment tool deﬁning a through hole for allowing the punch to extend therethrough, the through hole thereby deﬁning an aligned position for the punch. According to the invention, the alignment tool comprises a layered structure comprising a ﬁrst alignment plate comprising a ﬁrst aperture; and a second alignment plate comprising a second aperture, the second alignment plate being arranged substantially parallel with respect to the ﬁrst alignment plate in a position so that the ﬁrst aperture and second aperture line up to form the through hole. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the alignment tool, and to a method of punching a series of words.

Description

ALIGMENT TOOL AND ITS METHOD OF MANUFACTURING, AND METHOD FOR

PUNCHING

The invention relates to an alignment tool for aiding in the alignment of at least one punch with respect to an object to be punched. such as a planar object. The alignment tool defines at least ong through hole for allowing a respective one of the at least one punch to extend therethrough, each through hole thereby defining an aligned position for each respective punch.

The alignment tool of the invention may be used in particular to punch a seed phrase into a metal plate, for instance having the form factor of a card. Seed phrases usually consist of a series of letter combinations called words. A seed phrase may consist of e.g. 12 or 24 words. A seed phrase can be used to recover a cryptographic wallet of a user, and must therefore be kept safe but secret.

A solution to store a seed phrase has been proposed by NL1042838, which discloses punching the seed phrase in a metal card using a holder receiving the card and an alignment tool for aiding alignment of letter punches with respect to predetermined locations on the card.

The system proposed by NL1042838 works to some extent, but requires a relatively large amount of precision machining in order to achieve the required tolerances for aiding in alignment.

It is noted that the tolerances are of particular importance when cards of a relatively hard material are being punched. In such a case, there may be a need to punch several times in order to make sure the punched letter appears clearly on the card. In order to prevent imprints of consecutive punching strikes from overlapping, the alignment tool must align the punches relatively accurately, so that for each punching strike, the letter is imprinted on substantially the same location. Due to the excessive amount of machining needed. the device proposed by NL 1042838 is relatively costly to manufacture. Moreover, a desire exists to further improve the alignment of the punches, 1.e. to further decrease the tolerances involved in manufacturing the alignment tool.

It is an object of the invention to address one or both of these issues.

The object is achieved by an alignment tool according to the preamble. wherein the alignment tool comprises a layered structure comprising a first alignment plate comprising at least one first aperture, and a second alignment plate comprising at least one second aperture, the second alignment plate being arranged substantially parallel with respect to the first alignment plate in a position so that the at least one first aperture and the at least one second aperture line up to form the at least one through hole.

The alignment tool as described herein can provide a relatively low tolerance, i.e. a relatively high accuracy at a relatively low cost. The reduction of cost at the relatively high accuracy is achieved by providing a layered structure. The layered structure can be manufactured much more cost effectively than the known solid structure. In particular, it is possible to manufacture parts of the layered structure using laser cutting and/or water jetting. The layered structure can be manufactured by separately manufacturing its constituents, and by later joining them. This puts less restrictions on the manufacturing techniques employed to manufacture the relevant parts. In particular, it is possible to e.g. laser cut or water jet the plates, thereby making cutting cost effective yet accurate. The layered design thus facilitates other manufacturing techniques. which bring about advantages as to the functionality of the product (¢.g. enhanced accuracy) and/or as to its costs. One other example of a manufacturing technique that may be employed to manufacture the layered structure, is an additive technique such as 3D-printing.

It is noted the apertures in the respective alignment plates need not necessarily be identical in size and/or position. As an example, one of the plates may have longitudinal apertures, 1.e. slots, running in a first direction, whereas the other has longitudinal apertures in the orthogonal direction.

The resulting through holes will be arranged in a matrix.

Multiple alignment plates may be used, with different aperture numbers, with apertures of different sizes, and with apertures of different shapes and/or positions.

It is further noted it 1s advantageous if the components of the layered structure are fixed together.

Further, it is possible to provide an alignment plate having one or more through holes as described above, but also having a protrusion on one side that aligns with a through hole of an underlying alignment plate. Accordingly, said alignment plate can be used as a movable insert, which can be placed on the underlying alignment plate as desired, to create a local layered structure for alignment of a punch.

It is advantageous if the first and second alignment plates extend at a distance from each other. Accordingly, the alignment plates may align the punch at a relatively large distance from gach other along the length of the punch, thereby decreasing or eliminating any inaccuracies in aligning the punch in an upright position.

It is noted that alignment tools exist which use a pretensioner, such as a spring, to keep the punch in place inside e.g. a through hole. In order to provide sufficient travel for the pretensioner, these alignment tools provide a through hole bigger than the punch, so that it can move about laterally in the through hole were it not for the pretensioner. The pretensioner is then used to push the punch against the sides of the through hole to keep the punch in place. Needless to say, the larger through holes do not provide sufficient accuracy in some applications. such as those considered herein. The current alignment tool is distinguished over pretensioned alignment tools in that the through holes formed by the apertures in the plate define a single position for the punches, in which position there is substantially no play and no pretensioner. This adds accuracy to the positioning, i.¢. the alignment of the punch.

The alignment tool may further comprise one, two or more spacer plates placed in a stacked configuration as part of the layered structure. Using the spacer plates, a desired distance can be made between e.g. the alignment plates, or between the alignment plates and an underlying surface.

In particular, the one, two or more spacer plates may each define an annular shape. As a result, the spacer plates may provide material only along a circumference. As a result, the spacer plate may not interfere with the alignment by the alignment plates. Moreover, the spacer plates may require relatively little material, yet, by virtue of their annular shape, may provide a stable spacer.

In order to space the alignment plates from each other, a such spacer plate may be arranged between the first and second alignment plate.

In order to space an alignment plate from e.g. an underlving surface, a such spacer plate may be arranged on a side of the first alignment plate that is opposite to the second alignment plate.

The alignment tool may further comprise a holder comprising a receiving space for receiving an object to be punched, and for receiving the layered structure.

The alignment tool may thus be a two-component tool or kit comprising the holder and the layered structure. By providing a receiving space for the lavered structure, the position of the layered structure with respect to the holder can be clearly defined. As such, the holder may make it more easy to use the alignment tool.

Moreover, the holder may provide e.g. a bottom upon which an object to be punched can be placed, so as to prevent damage to a supporting structure such as a table top. Moreover, the holder can provide a way for a user to safely hold the alignment tool while punching.

The holder may also contribute to aligning the object and the layered structure with respect to each other. Since the layered structure defines the positions for the punches, the alignment tool comprising the holder can define pre-defined positions on the object where punches can go. After all, the position of the object is fixed with respect to the holder, and the position of the layered structure is also fixed with respect to the holder via the receiving space.

As an alternative, the lavered structure may comprise a receiving space for the object to be punched. The receiving space may be formed for instance in a layer of the layered structure, e.g. in the form of a cutout from that layer. The receiving space may for instance be shaped as a recess in the layered structure. The recess may correspond in size and shape to the object to be punched. In particular, the recess may be rectangular in plan view.

In the receiving space the layered structure may be locked in position in at least the planar directions defined by the layered structure.

Accordingly, the layered structure can not or can hardly move in the planar directions. As aresult, lateral alignment of the layered structure with respect to the tool may be limited or prevented.

If the alignment tool is used for alighment with respect to a planar object, the receiving space may be shaped so as to prevent movement of the object with respect to the layered structure in at least the planar directions defined by the layered structure when received in the receiving space.

Accordingly, lateral movement of the object may be limited or prevented as well.

Accordingly, the object and the layered structure may be at least substantially fixed with respect to each other in the lateral/planar directions.

Movement of the object and/or the layered structure with respect to the holder along the normal direction may be blocked in one direction, and be unobstructed in the opposite direction, so that punching is possible in the blocked direction and the object may be taken out of the holder by prior removal of the layered structure, both in said unobstructed direction.

The holder may comprise several plates stacked together. For reasons explained above related to the layered structure, it is possible to provide a holder with layered design at relatively low cost but relatively high accuracy.

The first and/or second alignment plate may have been cut using laser cutting or water jetting or be manufactured using 3D-printing.

These techniques allow a relatively accurate modelling at relatively low cost. It is noted that the layered design enables this technology to be used. In fact, the prior art design presented in

NL 1042838 cannot be made using these techniques to sufficient tolerances.

The invention also relates to an alignment tool as presented in the preamble or as described herein, wherein the alignment tool comprises multiple such through holes arranged in register with cach other in a matrix layout, preferably in a matrix of n by m, wherein n equals 4, 6, 8, 12 or 24 and m preferably equals 4.

Using such a matrix of through holes, a relatively large amount of alignment positions may be present at the same time. This enables a user to punch more quickly, since a punch that is required at multiple positions, may be used for all these positions without having to move the alignment tool. With reference to NL1042838 it is noted that the prior art provides only a single row of through holes, so that if a punch would need to be used in different rows, the alignment tool must be used. Accordingly, the technology in NL1042838 requires switching punches and moving the alignment tool relatively often.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an alignment tool, for instance an alignment tool as described herein, the method comprising: a) manufacturing at least two alignment plates; and b) stacking the alignment plates into a layered structure.

The alignment tool thus obtained may have the above described features and advantages.

In particular, the method may be relatively cost effective whilst providing sufficient accuracy.

In particular, step a) is performed by laser cutting or water jetting or 3D-printing. Using these techniques, an accurate end product may be obtained at relatively low cost.

The invention also relates to a method of punching a series of words in an object using an 5 alignment tool as described herein, wherein the series of words comprise at least one repeating character and at least one other character, wherein the method comprises punching all instances of the repeating character before moving onto the other character.

This method requires fewer or no movements of the alignment tool in between punching several instances of the same letter.

It is noted the invention may also be applied to e.g. numbers or other types of symbols, both of which may be said to make up a word. In particular, the invention relates to words made op of alphameric characters and/or numbers.

It is particularly useful if the object is a metal plate and/or if the series of words consists of 4, 6, 8, 12 or 24 words or numbers, preferably words, more preferably 4-letter words.

If the object is a metal plate, it may be used to store a key, such as a seed phrase for retrieving cryptographic storage, relatively safe. If the words consist of 4, 6, 8, 12 or 24 words the alignment tool can be used to punch that amount of words without repositioning the alignment tool.

If a 24 word seed phrase is desired, it may still be advantageous to use a 4, 6, 8, or 12 word alignment tool, because a user may want to punch different parts of the seed phrase on different objects so as to store the seed phrase in parts in different locations.

The invention will be further elucidated with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of an alignment tool;

Figure 2 schematically shows a blow up view of the alignment tool of figure 1;

Figures 3 and 4 schematically show different longitudinal cross sections of the alignment tool of figures 1 and 2;

Figures SA — 5G schematically show plan views of components of another alignment tool; and

Figures 6A — 6D schematically show different views of components of yet another alignment tool.

Throughout the figures, like elements are referred to using like reference numerals. Like elements of different embodiments are referred to using reference numerals increased by 100 (one hundred).

Figures 1 — 4 show an alighment tool 1 comprising a holder 2 and a layered structure 3.

The openings of through holes 4 (one reference numeral provided for 4 by 12 = 48 through holes) in the layered structure 3 can be seen in eg. figure 1. Figure 2 shows more clearly that the layered structure 3 comprises a first alignment plate 5, a second alignment plate 6, and two spacers 7. One spacer is arranged between the alignment plates 5, 6 and the other is arranged below the second alignment plate 6. The layered structure is held together using bolts 8 and corresponding threaded receptacles 9. The holder 2 in this example comprises a bottom 10 and a ring 11. Further, an insert plate 12 is provided. The bottom 10 is made in this example from rubber. Although not shown herein, the ring 11 may be made up from layers of annular plates fixed together. In such an example, or even without the layered holder 2, the receptacles 9 or bolts 8 can be part of the holder 2, for instance part of the ring 11. It is furthermore possible to dimension insert 12 similarly or identical to the bottom 10. Figure 2 furthermore shows an object 13 onto which letters are to be punched. In this case, the object 13 is a metal plate. The metal plate 13 is provided with apertures 14 which align with the receptacles 9 of the layered structure 3. The apertures could be used to attach the object 13 to the layered structure 3, or could simply be used to prevent the receptacles 9 from inadvertently contacting the object 13. Further, the apertures could be used to fix multiple objects 13 to each other after punching.

The cross sections of figures 3 and 4 show how the metal plate 13 and the layered structure 3 are held fixed with respect to each other by the holder 2 after having been inserted therein. The ring 11 of the holder 2 prevents the two parts from moving laterally with respect to each other.

The alignment plates 5, 6 include apertures 15 (only one reference numeral provided for 4 by 12 apertures in each plate 5, 6) which align with each other to form through holes 4. The through holes 4 server to allow a punch 16 (see figure 4) to extend therethrough. The punch 16 is held in a defined position by the edges of the apertures 4 at two different heights, being the heights of the alignment plates 5, 6. Accordingly, the position and orientation of the punch 16 is clearly defined with respect to the layered structure 3, and more importantly with respect to the object 13 which is in itself held in place by the holder 2. The holder 2 holds the object 13 and the layered structure 3 precisely in place.

Figures 5A — 5E show plates 105 — 107°" of another alignment tool. This alignment tool uses alternative spacers 107° and 107°" which have longitudinal apertures 115 which run orthogonal to each other. By stacking these spacer plates 107°, 107°" a structure is achieved similar to that of the alignment plates 105 and 106 shown. It is noted that the spacer plates 107°, 107° with the longitudinal slot may also serve as alignment plates, so that plates 105 and 106 may be done away with. If desired, additional spacer plates 107°, 107° with suitable apertures may be provided, and one or more annular spacer plates 107 may additionally be provided.

It is noted that in all alignment tools shown, if the object 13, 113, 213 is fixed to the layered structure 3, the holder 2 is not strictly necessary.

Figures 6A and 6B show respectively a top and side view of an insert 217 which is provided with apertures 218 and protrusions 219. As shown in figures 6C and 6D, the insert 217 can be used together with an alignment plate 205 to form a layered structure, in which the insert 217 forms the second alignment plate. For aligning the insert 217 with respect to the alignment plate 205, the insert 217 is provided with protrusions 219 that can be inserted in the apertures of the alignment plate 203. In this position, apertures 218 of the insert 217 align with apertures of the alignment plate 205, to form through holes for allowing a punch 216 to pass therethrough.

Accordingly, an object 213 can be punched.

Although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not limited thereto. In fact, the invention is also defined by the attached claims.

Claims

Conclusions

1. Alignment tool for assisting alignment of at least one stamp with respect to an object to be stamped, such as a planar object, wherein the alignment tool defines at least one through hole to allow a respective of the at least one stamp to extend therethrough, each through hole thereby defining an aligned position for each respective punch, characterized in that the alignment tool comprises a layered structure comprising: - a first alignment plate comprising at least one first opening; and - a second alignment plate comprising at least one second opening, wherein the second alignment plate is arranged substantially parallel to the first alignment plate in a position such that the at least one first opening and the at least second opening align with each other to form the at least one to form a through hole.

2. Alignment tool according to the previous claim, wherein the second alignment plate extends at a distance from the first alignment plate.

An alignment tool according to the preceding claim, further comprising one, two or more spacer plates in a stacked configuration as part of the layered construction.

An alignment tool according to the previous claim, wherein the one, two or more spacer plates each define an annular shape.

5. Alignment tool according to any one of claims 3 - 4, wherein such a spacer plate is arranged between the first and second alignment plates.

6. Alignment tool according to any one of claims 3 - 5, wherein such a spacer plate is arranged on a side of the first alignment plate that is opposite the second alignment plate.

7. Alignment tool according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a holder that comprises a receiving space for receiving an object to be stamped and for receiving the layered construction.

8. Alignment tool according to the previous claim, wherein the layered construction is secured in position in the receiving space in at least the plane directions defined by the layered construction.

9. Alignment tool according to claim 7 or 8 for aligning with respect to a flat object, wherein the accommodation space is shaped in such a way that when received in the accommodation space, displacement of the object relative to the layered construction in at least the plane directions indicated by the layered construction being defined is prevented.

10. Alignment tool according to any one of claims 7 - 9, wherein the holder comprises a number of stacked plates.

Alignment tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second alignment plate is cut by means of laser cutting or water jetting, or 3D printing.

12. Alignment tool according to any one of the preceding claims or the preamble of claim 1, wherein the alignment plate comprises a plurality of such through holes that are in register with each other in a matrix design, preferably a matrix of n by m, where n is equal to 4, 6 , 8, 12 or 24 and m is preferably equal to 4.

13. Method for manufacturing an alignment tool, for example an alignment tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises: a) manufacturing at least two alignment plates; and b) stacking the alignment plates into a layered construction.

Method according to the previous claim, wherein step a) is carried out by laser cutting or water jetting or 3D printing.

A method of stamping a series of words into an object with an alignment tool according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the series of words comprises at least one repeating character and at least one other character, the method comprising stamping all instances of the repeating character before continuing with the other character.

Method according to the previous claim, wherein the object is a metal plate and/or wherein the series of words consists of 4, 6, 8, 12, or 24 words or numbers, preferably words, more preferably 4-letter words.