Connected bender systems and methods

Abstract

A construction material bender can include a housing further including a bend mechanism to bend the construction material, a powertrain to power the bend mechanism to bend the construction material, a feed mechanism to feed construction material through the bender, a positioning mechanism to positioning construction material within the bender, one or more sensors in communication with at least one of the bend mechanism, the powertrain, the feed mechanism, or the positioning mechanism, a communication system to facilitate wireless communication between the bender and a visualization system stored on computing device, and a controller to receive bend instructions from the visualization system, the controller to execute the bend instructions to manufacture the construction material according to the bend instructions.

Description

CONNECTED BENDER SYSTEMS AND METHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 626,487, filed January 29. 2024, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 641,206, filed May 1, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 671,368, filed July 15, 2024, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] In construction applications, the fabrication of a workpiece (e.g., a piece of electrical metallic tubing (EMT) or conduit) may be a labor-intensive process that requires a user to manually take linear measurements, calculate bend angles, and manufacture (e.g., bend, cut. etc.) the workpiece (e.g., conduit, etc.).SUMMARY

[0003] Some aspects of the disclosure provide a construction material bender. The bender can include a housing further including a bend mechanism to bend the construction material, a powertrain to power the bend mechanism to bend the construction material, a feed mechanism to feed construction material through the bender, a positioning mechanism to positioning construction material within the bender, one or more sensors in communication with at least one of the bend mechanism, the powertrain, the feed mechanism, or the positioning mechanism, a communication system to facilitate wireless communication between the bender and a visualization system stored on computing device, and a controller to receive bend instructions from the visualization system, the controller to execute the bend instructions to manufacture the construction material according to the bend instructions.

[0004] Some aspects of the disclosure provide a tubing bender. The bender can include a motor to rotate a motor shaft at a first rotational output, a reductive gearset coupling the motor to a bender shoe, the bender shoe defining an arcuate channel to receive tubing during a bend operation, a housing defining an interior cavity at least partially housing motor and the reductive gearset, a sensor to sense a rotational position of the bender shoe during a bend operation, a visualization system in wireless communication with the bender via a communication system, the visualization system to transmit one or more desired tubing bend instructions to the bender via the communication system, and a controller to receive the tubing bend instructions from the visualization system, the controller to execute the bend instructions to manufacture the tubing according to the bend instructions.

[0005] Some aspects of the disclosure provide a method of manufacturing a workpiece via a bender. The method can include providing a bender with a bend mechanism to bend the workpiece, a powertrain to power the bend mechanism to bend the workpiece, a feed mechanism to feed the workpiece through the bender, receiving a model of a workpiece from a visualization system via a communication system of the bender, parsing the model of the workpiece to generate machine-readable bend instructions for execution by the bender, saving the machine-readable bend instructions as a bend operation within a job queue of the bender, the job queue depicted on a user interface of the bender, and upon selection of the bend operation within the job queue, executing the machine-readable bend instructions to manufacture the workpiece according to the bend instructions.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the invention:

[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of connected tool system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a connected bender tool for use with the connected tool system of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is an axonometric view of an example of the connected bender tool of FIG. 2.

[0010] FIG. 4 is an axonometric view of a portion of the connected bender tool of FIG. 3.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a side view of a bend mechanism of the bender tool of FIG. 3.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a side view of the bend mechanism of FIG. 5 with a piece of conduit installed.

[0013] FIG. 7 is an axonometric view of a housing of the bender tool of FIG. 3.

[0014] FIG. 8 is an axonometric view of the bender tool of FIG. 3 with portions of the housing removed.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a side view of the bender tool of FIG. 3 including a safety system.

[0016] FIG. 10 is an axonometric view of the bender tool of FIG. 3 in a deployed configuration.

[0017] FIG. 11 is an axonometric view of the bender tool of FIG. 3 in a stowed configuration.

[0018] FIG. 12 is flowchart depicting a start-up process for the bender tool of FIG. 3.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a flowchart depicting an input reception process for the bender tool of FIG. 3.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a flowchart depicting a user input process for the bender tool of FIG. 3.

[0021] FIGS. 15A-15D are flowcharts depicting a manufacturing process using the bender tool of FIG. 3.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a flowchart depicting an alert process for the bender tool of FIG. 3.

[0023] FIG. 17 is a flowchart depicting a conduit size verification process for the bender tool of FIG. 3.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Given the benefit of this disclosure, various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0025] As generally noted above, the fabrication of a workpiece may be a labor-intensive process that requires a user to manually take linear measurements, calculate bend angles, and determine the orientation of the workpiece in space. For example, currently, measurements and calculations are all handled through on-the-job training and reference books or applications. Further, users must plan the workpiece orientation mentally, without a visual representation of how the final product will look. As a result, the fabrication of the workpiece can be a timeconsuming and error prone process, which is undesirable in many construction applications.

[0026] To mitigate these issues, the user may utilize a visualization system (e.g.. a mobile application), which may generate a model (e g., a three-dimensional model) of the workpiece. In one example, the user may manually create a generalized workpiece that extends from a first location to a second location. The user may then use a tool (e.g.. a tape measure, digital tape measure, or other measuring device) to take measurements as instructed by the visualization system. For example, these measurements may correspond to a work area where the workpiece is desired to be placed (e.g., between the first and second points). Further, in conduit pipe applications, the user may indicate where a pipe bend needs to be located, outlet locations, length, height, etc. The measurement data is then wirelessly communicated to a computing device (e.g., a mobile device, server, etc.) and associated with segments of the generalized workpiece in the visualization. In other examples, the measurement data may be manuallyinputed into the device via the user and associated with segments of the workpiece. The visualization system may then generate a three-dimensional, two-dimensional, or other rendering of the workpiece within the simulated environment based on the inputed measurements, which automatically calculates the bend angles and positions on the workpiece.

[0027] In some examples, the system (or multiple (e.g., more than one) systems) may generate instructions and send instructions to one or more connected tools (e.g.. wirelessly connected tools), which may automatically bend, cut, mark (e.g., a cut position, bend position, etc.) or otherwise shape the workpiece according to the inputed measurements. For example, an automated bender may make bends at the appropriate locations so that the w orkpiece fits within the desired area. In some examples, the bender may receive the information from the visualization system via a Bluetooth connection, parse the information from the bender, and command operation of a feed mechanism, positioning mechanism, bend mechanism, and powertrain in order to manufacture the work piece to the match the modeled work piece generated in the visualization system.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows an example of a connected tool system 100. The tool system 100 can include one or more tools (e.g., tools 145, 155, etc.) and a computing device 105. In some examples, the computing device 105 can be implemented as a mobile phone (e.g., a smart phone), a personal digital assistant ("PDA"), a laptop, a notebook, a netbook computer, a tablet computing device, etc. In some examples, the computing device 105 may be configured to communicate directly with the tools 145. 155 via a communication system 140 of the computing device 105. For example, the communication system 140 may permit the computing device 105 to exchange information with the tools 145, 155. In one particular example, the communication system 140 may permit the computing device 105 to receive information from a tool (e.g.. tool 145) and output information to another tool (e.g., tool 155). In some examples, the communication system 140 may be a wireless communication system (e g., a wireless transceiver) or a wired communication system (e.g., via a physical, wired network).

[0029] In some examples, the computing device 105 may include one or more controllers 110 each having a processor 115 and a memory’ 120. The processor 115 can be implemented as a programmable processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. The memory' 120 (e.g., memory’, memory’ unit, storage device, etc.) can include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM. Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described herein. The memory 120 can be or include volatilememory or non-volatile memory'. The memory 120 can include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application.

[0030] The computing device 105 may further include a display 130 and a corresponding user interface 135. In some examples, the display 130 and user interface 135 may permit one or more users (e.g., users 150. 160) to interact with the computing device 105. For example, the users 150, 160 may interact with the user interface 135 to input information into the computing device 105. In some examples, the information inputted into the computing device 105 may be depicted on the display 130 for review by the users 150, 160.

[0031] In some examples, to facilitate the fabrication of a workpiece (e.g., EMT tubing, conduit, etc.) within a work area, the computing device 105 may include a visualization system 125. The visualization system 125 may be in the form of a mobile application (e.g., computer program) stored within the memory 120 of the computing device 105. The visualization system 125 may permit a user (or multiple users 150, 160) to build and review a three-dimensional (3D) model of a workpiece prior to cutting, bending, or otherwise performing work on the workpiece.

[0032] For example, the user may build the 3D model of the workpiece within the visualization system 125 (e.g., using the user interface 135). The user may then input measurements corresponding to one or more segments of the workpiece for analysis by the visualization system. In some examples, the user may take measurements as prompted by the visualization system (e.g., via a tape measure or other tool) and manually input those measurements into the visualization system 125. However, in other examples, the user may utilize one or more connected tools (e.g., tool 145), which may automatically transmit measurements from the tool 145 to the visualization system 125. Based on the inputted measurements, the visualization system 125 may generate instructions that may be followed by the user (e.g., user 160) to cut, bend, or otherwise perform work on the workpiece, without having to perform manual calculations on cut or bend locations for the workpiece. In some examples, more than one connected tool 145 may be connected to the visualization system 125. For examples, different workers may each have a tool (e.g., a tape measure, etc.) that is connected to the visualization system 125.

[0033] In some examples, the visualization system 125 may transmit instructions (e.g., via the communication system 140) to one or more connected tools (e.g., a connected bender 155) to perform automated cuts, bends, or other operations on the workpiece. For example, the bender 155 may wirelessly communicate with the visualization system 125 to receive step-by-step instructions on how to manufacture the workpiece designed in the visualization system 125. Thus, as should be appreciated, the number of manual inputs from the users 150. 160 may be reduced and overall efficiency may be increased.

[0034] FIG. 2 shows an example of the bender 155 (e.g., a bender in communication with the visualization system 125). The bender 155 may include a housing 205, which may rest upon a stand 210 (e.g., to situate the bender at a user acceptable height). In some examples, the housing 205 may be configured to enclose one or more components of the bender 155. For example, the housing may include a communication system 245 configured to provide communication between the bender 155 and the visualization system 125. For example, the communication system 245 may include a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) antenna to facilitate Bluetooth connectivity between the bender 155 and the computing device 105 (e.g., housing the visualization system 125). In other examples, the communications system 245 may facilitate communication between the bender and the visualization system via a Wi-Fi connection, a cellular connection, near-field communication (NFC), an ethemet connection, or any other known wired or wireless connectivity method.

[0035] In some examples, the bender 155 may include an electronics system 275 including one or more electronic devices (e.g., circuit boards, antennas, controllers, etc.). For example, the electronics system 275 may include the BLE antenna, a first control board (e.g., to control one or more motors of the feed mechanism and positioning mechanism), a second control board (e.g.. to facilitate communication with the visualization system, parse code from the visualization system (e.g., into machine-readable instructions), receive signals from one or more sensors, or interface with one or more other control boards), a third control board (e.g., a relay board) to transition the bender betw een operations during a bend process, a fourth control board (e.g., a power distribution board) to regulate power output form the power source 235, and a fifth control board to control the powertrain 230.

[0036] Further, the electronics system 275 may include one or more controllers 260 each having a processor 265 and a memory 270. The processor 265 can be implemented as a programmable processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. The memory 270 (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) can include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory', hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described herein. The memory 270 can be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The memory 270 can include database components, objectcode components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application. For example, the controllers 260 may receive and parse information (e.g., instructions) form the visualization system 125 in order to operate a feed mechanism, bend mechanism, positioning mechanism, or other components of the bender 155 to manufacture the desired workpiece.

[0037] In some examples, a feed mechanism 215 and a positioning mechanism 220 may be positioned within the housing 205. In some examples, the feed mechanism 215 may be configured to feed a workpiece (e.g., EMT tubing, conduit, rebar, etc.) into and through the bender (e.g., during a bending / manufacturing operation. Correspondingly, the positioning mechanism 220 may be configured to adjust a position of the workpiece during the bending / manufacturing operation. For example, the positioning mechanism 220 may be configured to rotate, advance, retard, or otherwise adjust a positioning of the workpiece within the bender.

[0038] In some examples, in order to perform a bending operation, the bender 155 may include a bend mechanism 225 (e.g., a bender shoe). The bend mechanism 225 may be connected to a powertrain 230 (e.g., including a motor, reductive gearset, etc.) so that the powertrain 230 can power movement (e.g., rotation) of the bend mechanism 225. In some examples, the powertrain (and other components of the bender 155) may be powered via a power source 235. The power source 235 may be in the form of a battery (e.g., a rechargeable lithium ion type battery), a wired power connection (e.g.. a wall plug), or any other known direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) power source.

[0039] In some examples, to provide accurate bend positions (e.g., to facilitate manufacturing of the workpiece) the bender 155 may include one or more sensors 255. The sensors 255 may include one or more hall-effect sensors, one or more angular position sensors (e.g., inductive, optical, ultrasonic, eddy current, or other sensors), one or more rotary encoders, or any other known sensors. In one particular example, the angular position sensor may be a ZMID sensor. For example, the sensors 255 may be configured to measure an amount of bending of the workpiece (e.g., via rotation of the bend mechanism), a feed distance of the workpiece (e.g., via the feed mechanism), rotation of the workpiece (e.g., via the positioning mechanism) or other characteristics of the w orkpiece during a bend operation.

[0040] In some examples, in order to permit a user to interact with the bender 155, the bender may include a user interface 240. In some examples, the user interface 240 may include one or more physical buttons on the housing 205. one or more virtual buttons on a display, or any combination thereof. Thus, the user may be able to select one or more jobs (e.g., from ajob queue) for manufacturing, analyze a status of the bender, connect the bender to the visualization system, building information modeling (BIM) system, or perform other operations. In some examples, the user interface 240 may permit the user to manually input values (e.g., numerical or other values) into a visualization system (or other system) stored locally at the bender.

[0041] In some examples, the user interface 240 may further permit a user to activate or deactivate a safety system 250 of the bender 155. In some examples, the safety system 250 may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), laser projectors, etc. configured to project a safety zone (e.g., a representation of a bending zone of the bender) onto an area around the bender (e.g., the ground). In some examples, the safety system 250 may further include one or more sensors (e.g., cameras, passive infrared (PIR), ultrasonic, microwave, tomographic, or any other known sensors) configured to sense movement within a predetermined area around the bender. In some examples, when the sensors sense movement (e.g., corresponding to a user within the safety zone) the safety system 250 may automatically stop the bender (e.g., cease powering the motor(s)). Following this, in order to restart the bender, a user may need to depress a button (or other switch) on the bender.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows an example of a bender 300 (e.g., an example of the schematically- illustrated bender 155). In some examples, the bender 300 may include a frame 305 configured to secure the housing 205 to the stand 210. For example, the frame 305 may provide a rigid (or semi-rigid) mounting surface for the housing 205. Further, in some examples, the frame 305 may include a roll cage (e.g., roll cage 425 in FIG. 4), which may provide protection to one or more of the components within the housing 205. Further, the roll cage may provide a solid base to permit a user to rest an end of the bender 300 on the ground (e.g., when the bender is in a stowed configuration). In some examples, to permit the user to manipulate (e.g.. move) the bender 300, the bender may include one or more handles 310 extending away from and secured to the frame 305.

[0043] In some examples, the housing 205 of the bender 300 may cover a majority of the components of the bender. For example, the housing 205 may cover the feed mechanism 215, the positioning mechanism 220, the powertrain 230, electronics system 275, or any other components of the bender 300. In some examples, the housing 205 may cover components of the bender to prevent accidental contact between a user and the components (e.g., to reduce the risk of potential damage to the components). Further, in some examples, the housing 205 may form a battery receptacle 315, which may form an insertion location for a battery 320 (e.g., one form of the power source 235). In some examples, the battery may be in the form of areplaceable, rechargeable type battery', such as a lithium ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery, or any other form of battery.

[0044] In some examples, in use, the user may insert a workpiece (e.g., conduit, rigid metal conduit (RMC), intermediate metal conduit (IMC), PVC pipe, MC / AC cable, rebar, copper pipe, carbon steel pipe, round metal stock, etc.) into the feed mechanism 215 at a first end 325 of the bender 300. Following this, the feed mechanism 215 may feed the workpiece through the bender to the bend mechanism 225, which may follow instructions (e.g., generated by the visualization system) to control the powertrain 230 (and thus the bend mechanism 225) to bend the workpiece to match the model (e.g., 3D or 2D model) created in the visualization system. Further, in some examples, for multiple bends on a single workpiece, the positioning mechanism 220 may reposition the workpiece between bends to form the desired workpiece. In some examples, once the desired workpiece has been created, the feed mechanism 215 may eject the workpiece from a second end 330 of the bender 300.

[0045] FIGS. 4-6 show examples of the powertrain 230 and the bend mechanism 225 of the bender 300. In some examples, the powertrain 230 may include a motor 405 (e.g., a brushless electric motor) connected to a gearbox 410 (e.g., a reductive gearset). In some examples, a motor shaft may extend from the gearbox 410 and receive a bender shoe 415 for rotation via the motor shaft. Further, in some examples, in order to track an amount of rotation of the bender shoe 415, a sensor 420 (e.g., an angular position sensor, rotary encoder, etc.) may be arranged on the motor shaft. In one particular example, the sensor 420 may be a high- accuracy angular position sensor, such as a ZMID sensor. For example, the bender shoe 415 may be removably secured to the motor shaft (e.g., via a release mechanism 505) so that a user may exchange bender shoes depending on the workpiece size (e.g., diameter). In some examples, the release mechanism 505 may include a threaded fastener, which may extend through the bender shoe and retain the bender shoe via a nut (e.g., wing nut). In other examples, other ty pes of fasteners may be used to secure the bender shoe to the motor shaft. In yet other examples, the bender shoe may be secured to the motor shaft via a detent mechanism, which may permit a user to rapidly exchange bender shoes.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, to accommodate different workpiece sizes (e.g., diameters), the bender 300 may may include an adjustment mechanism 500. The adjustment mechanism 500 may permit a user to adjust the position of the powertrain 230 and the bend mechanism 225 to accommodate different workpiece sizes. For example, as shown by arrow 520, the user may adjust the position (e.g.. spacing) of the powertrain 230 and the bend mechanism 225 with respect to a backformer 510. In some examples (see, e g., FIG. 6), aworkpiece 605 may be arranged within a groove (e.g., arcuate groove) of the bender shoe 415 and extend though a slot 525 in the bender shoe, with a hook 530 of the bender shoe capturing the workpiece 605 (e.g., on a first side 615 of the workpiece 605). However, in addition to the hook 530, the backformer 510 may also contact the first side 615 of the workpiece 605. Thus, during bending of the workpiece (e.g.. as shown by arrow 610) the backformer 510 may mitigate kinking or other unwanted deformation in the workpiece.

[0047] In some examples, as mentioned above, the spacing between the backformer 510 and the bender shoe 415 may need to be adjustable to accommodate workpieces of different sizes. Thus, the user may adjust the position of the bend mechanism 225 and the powertrain 230 relative to the backformer 510 (e.g., as shown by arrow 520) based on the workpiece size selected. In another example, rather than adjusting the powertrain 230 and the bend mechanism 225, the user may instead directly adjust the position of the backformer 510 relative to the bender shoe 415. For example, the backformer 510 may be positioned on an end of a rod 515, which may be adjustably secured to the gearbox 410. Thus, if a user wants to adjust a position of the backformer 510, the user may actuate a release holding the rod 515 and adjust the rod until an indicator on the rod is at the desired workpiece size (e.g., diameter). Following this, the user may resecure the rod, with the backformer 510 in the desired location.

[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates an example arrangement of some of the user interface features of the bender 300. For example, the user interface 240 may include a display 710 (e.g., an LED screen. OLED screen, LCD screen, etc.), which may depict a job queue, house the visualization system 125, permit pairing betw een the bender 300 and a computing device (e.g., housing the visualization system 125), permit pairing between the bender 300 and another connected tool, permit a user to adjust one or more bender setting, or permit other operations. In some examples, the information depicted on the display 710 may be selected via one or more physical buttons 715 (e g., a scroller wheel, dial, etc ). However, in other examples, the information depicted on the display 710 may be selected via one or more virtual buttons (e.g., the display 710 may be touch interactive). In another example, the bender 300 may include one or more docking features (e.g.. magnets, quick release pins, cables, etc.) to permit a user to rapidly connect the bender 300 to a computing device (e.g., a computing device including the visualization system 125).

[0049] In some examples, to depict a status of the bender 300 (e.g., during a bend operation or otherwise), the bender may include a status indicator 705. The status indicator 705 may be in the form of an RGB light emitting diode (LED) configured to display a predetermined color, pattern, etc. to indicate a status of the bender 300. In other examples, the status indicator 705may alternatively or additionally be in the form of an audible, tactile, visual, or other feedback mechanism. In some examples, depending on the status of the bender 300, the user may desire to activate the feed mechanism 215 in order to release / dispense the workpiece from the bender. Thus, the bender may include a workpiece release button 725, which, when actuated, may cause the feed mechanism to operate and release the workpiece from the bender 300. Correspondingly, the bender may include an emergency stop button 720, which, when actuated, may cause the powertrain, feed mechanism, bend mechanism, positioning mechanism, etc. to shut down.

[0050] Turning to FIG. 8, an example of the electronics system 275 of the bender 300 is shown. The electronics system 275 may include the battery 320, which may be configured power one or more control boards, the powertrain 230, the user interface, or other components of the bender 300. In some examples, the electronics system 275 may include a BLE antenna 815, a first control board 805 (e.g., to control one or more motors of the feed mechanism and positioning mechanism), a second control board 810 (e.g., to facilitate communication with the visualization system, parse code from the visualization system (e.g., into machine-readable instructions), receive signals from one or more sensors, or interface with one or more other control boards), a third control board 825 (e.g., a relay board) to transition the bender betw een operations during a bend process, a fourth control board 820 (e.g., a power distribution board) to regulate power output form the power source 235, and a fifth control board 830 to control the powertrain 230. In some examples, the electronics system 275. rather than including both the first and second control boards 805, 810, may instead consolidate the functions controlled by the first and second control boards into only a single control board. In some examples, the electronics system 275 may further include an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 840 to determine the angular (or other) positioning of the bender 300. For example, the IMU 840 may be in the form of a 9-axis IMU.

[0051] In some examples, the bender 300 may further include a bender shoe (or other) storage opening 835 underneath a portion of the housing 205. For example, one or more different sizes of bender shoes (e.g., corresponding to different workpiece sizes) may be positioned underneath the housing 205 within the storage opening 835 to permit a user to easily access and exchange the bender shoes as needed.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 9, the bender 300 may include the safety system 250, which may include one or more light sources 910 (e.g., LEDs, laser projectors, etc.) arranged within the second end 330 of the bender 300. In some examples, the one or more light sources 910 may project a safety' zone 915 (e.g., a representation of a bending zone of the bender) onto an areaaround the bender (e.g., the ground). In some examples, the safety system 250 may further include one or more sensors (e.g., cameras, passive infrared (PIR), ultrasonic, microwave, tomographic, or any other known sensors) configured to sense movement within the safety zone. In some examples, when the sensors sense movement (e.g., corresponding to a user within the safety zone) the safety system 250 may automatically stop the bender (e.g., cease powering the motor(s)). Following this, in order to restart the bender, a user may need to depress a button (or other switch) on the bender.

[0053] FIGS. 10 and 11 show examples of the bender 300 in a deployed configuration 1000 (FIG. 10) and a stowed configuration 1100 (FIG. 11). In some examples the bender 300 is translatable between the deployed configuration 1000 and the stowed configuration 1100 via the stand 210. In some examples, the stand 210 may include one or more of mounts 1010 to which the frame 305 of the bender 300 is removably secured. The mounts 1010 are generally at a first end of the stand 210, with a second end of the stand including one or more wheels 1025 (e.g., all-terrain, flat free tires) and one or more ground engagement members 1030. In some examples, the wheels 1025 and the ground engagement members 1030 may be arranged at respective ends of two pivotally-coupled legs 1015, 1020. In some examples, the ground engagement member 1030 at the end of the leg 1020 may further form a handle that double as feet when the stand 210 is in the deployed configuration 1000. Additionally, the leg 1020 may further include one or more pairs of carry handles 1035, 1040 to provide options to user (e.g., vertical grip, horizontal grip. etc.).

[0054] In some examples, the stand 210 can be locked into the deployed configuration 1000 via a releasable latch 1105. In some examples, the latch 1105 can maintain the stand in the deployed configuration 1000 until manipulated into a released position by a user. For example, when in the released position, the latch may permit the legs 1015, 1020 to collapse into the stowed configuration 1 100 under the weight of bender 300. As should be appreciated, the stand 210 collapses against the bias of a lift assist mechanism including one or more biasing elements 1005 (e.g., gas springs) that operate to urge the stand 210 toward the deployed configuration 1000. Thus, the biasing elements 1005 may permit a single user to deploy the bender 300 as the biasing elements 1005 reduce the effective weight of the bender. Further, in some examples, to assist in deployment of the bender 300, the bender may include one or more set-up handles 1045 arranged adjacent the frame 305.

[0055] In some examples, due to the arrangement of the roll cage 425 at the second end 330 of the bender 300, the bender may be moved (e.g.. when in the stowed configuration 1100) in a similar arrangement to a hand truck (e.g., a dolly). Thus, the reinforced area formed by theroll cage 425 may permit a user to set the bender 300 in an upright (e.g., about normal to the ground) position as the roll cage 425 may support the weight of the bender 300.

[0056] FIG. 12 shows an example of a start-up process for the bender 300. For example, at stage 1205, the bender 300 may receive power (e.g., electrical power) from the battery' 320, which may permit the bender to activate the display 710 at stage 1210. In some examples, at stage 1215. when the bender 300 begins start-up. the bender may automatically begin Bluetooth pairing (e.g., via the BLE antenna) to a connected tool or computing device. For example, the bender may automatically attempt to pair to a known computing device (e.g., previously paired). Further, at stage 1220, the bender may initialize a universally unique identifier (UUID), which may provide information for pairing of the bender 300.

[0057] In some examples, at stage 1225, the bender 300 may automatically connect to the last known computing device (e g., computing device previously paired with prior to shutdown, etc.) via the BLE antenna. In some examples, the bender, at stage 1230, may further begin calibration of the powertrain 230 (e.g., the motor 405) and identify a “home’" or starting position of the motor, which may correspond to a predetermined location of the bender shoe 415. In some examples, at stage 1235, the bender may move the motor (and thus the bender shoe 415) into the home position to prepare for a bend operation. Further, in some examples, at stage 1240, the bender may import previous settings (e.g., corresponding to workpiece size, etc.) to prepare the bender for a bend operation. In some examples, at stage 1245, the bender 300 may move into a standby state and await instructions from a user or the visualization system (e.g.. instructions to manufacture a workpiece).

[0058] FIG. 13 show s an example of an input reception process 1300 for the bender 300. For example, at stage 1305 the bender may receive instructions (e.g., from the visualization system 125, a user, a BIM system, or other system). For example, the bender may receive instructions via the user interface 240, the communication system 245, etc. At stage 1310, the bender may determine whether or not the instructions received are new instructions or instructions that have been previously implemented (e.g., instructions to manufacture a workpiece matching a previously manufacture workpiece). At stage 1315. the bender may parse the instructions and pull data from the instructions. For example, at stage 1320 the bender may read the job name, at stage 1325 the bender may read the bend data, and at stage 1330 the bender may read the metadata associated with the instructions. Thus, at stage 1335, the bender may convert the bend data and the metadata into machine-readable instructions executable by the bender to manufacture the workpiece. Further, at stage 1340, the machine-readable instructions and the job name may be saved into a w ork queue, which may be displayed on thedisplay for review by a user. In some examples, at stage 1345, the bender may remain in the standby stage and await a user input (e.g.. instructions to begin manufacturing the workpiece, etc.).

[0059] FIG. 14 shows an example of a user interface process 1400 for instructing the bender 300 to manufacture a workpiece. For example, at stage 1405, the bender my receive a user input (e g., via the display), which may instruct the bender to load the job queue on the display at stage 1410. Following this, at stage 1415, the bender may display the job queue on the display for review by the user. In some examples, at stages 1420 and 1425, the user may utilize the buttons 715 to navigate the job queue while the bender monitors and corresponding responds to the inputs from the user (e.g., inputs via the buttons 715).

[0060] In some examples, at stage 1430, the bender may monitor whether or not the user has selected a job from the job queue for execution. If not, the bender may remain in the idle stage at stage 1435. However, if the user selected a job from the queue, at stage 1440 the bender may load the associated job data (e.g., bend instructions, etc.) and monitor for instructions to execute the job (e.g.. via an input from a start button at stage 1445). Thus, once the user selects the start button at stage 1445, the bender 300 may execute the machine-readable instructions to activate the feed mechanism 215, bend mechanism 225, positioning mechanism 220, and powertrain 230 in order to manufacture the workpiece according to the instructions at stage 1450.

[0061] FIG. 15 shows an example of a manufacturing process 1500 using the bender 300. For example, at stage 1502, the bender 300 may register (e.g., recognize) that a start button has been pressed, which may indicate that the bender should begin manufacturing the selected workpiece. At stage 1504, the bender may activate the feed mechanism 215 so that a workpiece positioned within the feed mechanism begins to advance towards the bend mechanism 225. As the workpiece advances towards the bend mechanism, the bender may monitor a sensor (e.g., a position sensor, etc.) at stage 1506. At stage 1508, the bender may continue to monitor the sensor to determine whether or not the workpiece has reached the desired bend location (e.g., along a length of the workpiece). If the workpiece is not yet at the desired location, the bender may continue to advance the workpiece via the feed mechanism. However, if the workpiece has reached the desired bend location, the bender may stop operation of the feed mechanism at stage 1510.

[0062] At stages 1512 and 1514, the bender may command the powertrain 230 and the bend mechanism 225 to operate (e.g., rotate) to bend the workpiece. In some examples, as shown at stage 1516, the bender may be programmed to account for springback within thebend. Thus, the bender may overbend the workpiece in order to account for springback. For example, the bender may overbend the workpiece by a predetermined percentage (e.g., about 10 percent). In one particular example, if the desired bend is 90-degrees, the bender may bend the workpiece to 93-degrees to account for 3-degrees of springback. Thus, when the bend mechanism stops bending the workpiece, the workpiece may automatically springback to the desired 90-degree angle. In other examples, the bender may underbend the workpiece, check the bend angle, and incrementally increase the bend angle of the workpiece until reaching the desired bend angle. For example, the bender may bend the workpiece to 85-degrees, release the workpiece, and incrementally continue to bend the workpiece until reaching the desired 90- degree angle.

[0063] At stage 1518. after the first bend has been completed, the bender may read the instructions (e.g., machine-readable instructions from the visualization system) to determine if further bends on the workpiece are desired. If not, the bender may recognize that the bending operations are complete at stage 1520. Futher, at stage 1522 the bender may illuminate the status indicator 705 a predetermined color (e.g., green) to indicate to the user that the bend has been completed successfully. In some examples, once the bend is completed, the bender may operate the feed mechanism 215 at stage 1524 to dispense the workpiece from the bender at stage 1526. Further, the bender 300 may reset the motor position (e.g., to a home position) at stage 1528 to prepare for another workpiece. In some examples, at stage 1530, if there is no further jobs to be completed, the bender may return to the idle state and await further instructions.

[0064] In some examples, if at stage 1518 the bender recognizes that further bends are desired on the current workpiece the bender may engage the positioning mechanism 220 at stage 1532. For example, at stages 1534 and 1536 the bender may determine of rotation of the workpiece (e.g., within the workpiece) is required in order to properly orient the bends (e.g., to match the model form the visualization system). If rotation of the workpiece is required, the positioning mechanism may rotate the workpiece (e.g., about an axis formed by the workpiece) at stage 1538. In other examples, if rotation of the workpiece is completed or rotation of the workpiece is not required, the positioning mechanism 220 may grip the workpiece and begin to advance the workpiece (e.g., towards the bend mechanism) at stage 1540.

[0065] In some examples, as the positioning mechanism 220 advances the workpiece, a sensor may monitor the position of the workpiece and the positioning mechanism at stage 1540 to determine whether the positioning mechanism has reached a forward limit (e.g.. first end stop) at stage 1546 or whether the workpiece has reached the desired bend position at stage1544. In some examples, depending on the length of the workpiece and the desired bend location along the length, the workpiece may reach the desired bend location prior to reaching the forward limit of the positioning mechanism 220. Thus, at stage 1548 once the workpiece reaches the desired bend position, the bender may stop advancing the workpiece via the positioning mechanism. Further, as has been described previously, in stages 1550, 1552, and 1554, the bender may command the powertrain 230 and the bend mechanism 225 to operate (e.g., rotate) to bend the workpiece.

[0066] In some examples, as shown at stage 1554, the bender may be programmed to account for springback within the bend. Thus, the bender may overbend the workpiece in order to account for springback. In one particular example, if the desired bend is 90-degrees, the bender may bend the workpiece to 93-degrees to account for 3-degrees of springback. Thus, when the bend mechanism stops bending the workpiece, the work piece may automatically springback to the desired 90-degree angle. In other examples, the bender may underbend the workpiece, check the bend angle, and incrementally increase the bend angle of the w orkpiece until reaching the desired bend angle. For example, the bender may bend the workpiece to 85- degrees, release the workpiece, and incrementally continue to bend the workpiece until reaching the desired 90-degree angle.

[0067] Once the second (or further bend) has been completed, the bender may revert to stage 1518 to read the instructions (e.g.. machine-readable instructions from the visualization system) to determine if further bends on the workpiece are desired. If not. the bender may recognize that the bending operations are complete and perform stages 1520-1530 as discussed previously.

[0068] In some examples, depending on the length of the w orkpiece and the desired bend location along the length, the workpiece may not reach the desired bend location prior to reaching the forward limit of the positioning mechanism 220. Thus, at stage 1556 the bender may disengage the positioning mechanism 220 (e.g., release the work piece) and at stage 1558 may move the positioning mechanism to the rearward limit (e.g., a second end stop). Thus, at stage 1560, the positioning mechanism may reengage the workpiece and begin to advance the workpiece again (e.g., revert to stage 1540). In some examples, depending on the length of the workpiece or the desired location of the bend, this may be an iterative process, where the bender performs stages 1540-1560 (i.e. , excluding stages 1544-1554) a number of times to get to the desired bend position. Once reaching the desired bend position, the bender may go through stages 1544-1554 to bend the workpiece.

[0069] FIG. 16 shows an example of an alert process 1600 for the bender 300. For example, at stage 1605, if the bender determines that a stall has occurred (e.g., due to the workpiece snagging, etc.) that bender may automatically command all of the motors (e g., motors for the feed mechanism, positioning mechanism, bend mechanism, etc.) to cease operation. Following this, at stage 1615 the bender may display an error message (e.g., on the display 710). Further, in some examples, the bender may illuminate the status indicator 705 a predetermined color (e.g., red).

[0070] In some examples, in the event of an error, the bender 300 may operate the feed mechanism 215 to dispense the workpiece from the bender (e.g., to remove the workpiece form the bender). Further, in some examples, the bender 300 may return to the idle state to await further instructions.

[0071] FIG. 17 shows an example of a conduit size verification process 1700 for the bender 300. For example, at stage 1705, the visualization system 125 may transmit the desired (e.g., selected) workpiece size to the bender 300. For example, during generation of the workpiece in the visualization system, the user may select a desired size (e.g., diameter) of the workpiece. Thus, when transmitting the instructions for manufacturing the workpiece, the visualization system may transmit the selected workpiece size as well, which may be received by the bender at stage 1705. Following this, at stage 1710, the bender may compare the desired workpiece size to the current set-up size. For example, the bender may know the size of the currently installed bender shoe 415 and compare the size of the currently installed bender shoe 415 to the selected workpiece size at stage 1715. At stage 1720, if the currently installed bender shoe size and the selected workpiece size match, the bender may proceed to conduct the bending operation.

[0072] However, if the currently installed bender shoe size and the selected workpiece size do not match, the bender may display an error message at stage 1725 (e g., on the display, via the indicator system, etc.). In some examples, to proceed with the bend, the user may exchange the bender shoe with a bender shoe of the proper size at 1730. In other examples, to proceed with the bend, the user may modify the desired conduit size at stage 1735.

[0073] In some other examples, prior to performing a bend operation, the user may need to enter the work piece size (e.g., diameter), which the bender may compare to the currently setup size, and if the workpiece size and the currently set-up size do not match the bender may refuse to move forward with the bend operation.

[0074] In some implementations, devices or systems disclosed herein can be utilized, manufactured, or installed using methods embodying aspects of the invention.Correspondingly, any description herein of particular features, capabilities, or intended purposes of a device or system is generally intended to include disclosure of a method of using such devices for the intended purposes, a method of otherwise implementing such capabilities, a method of manufacturing relevant components of such a device or system (or the device or system as a whole), and a method of installing disclosed (or otherwise known) components to support such purposes or capabilities. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated or limited, discussion herein of any method of manufacturing or using for a particular device or system, including installing the device or system, is intended to inherently include disclosure, as embodiments of the invention, of the utilized features and implemented capabilities of such device or system.

[0075] Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, “or” indicates a nonexclusive list of components or operations that can be present in any variety of combinations, rather than an exclusive list of components that can be present only as alternatives to each other. For example, a list of “A, B, or C” indicates options of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; and A, B. and C. Correspondingly, the term “or” as used herein is intended to indicate exclusive alternatives only when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” For example, a list of “one of A, B, or C” indicates options of: A, but not B and C; B, but not A and C; and C, but not A and B. A list preceded by “one or more” (and variations thereon) and including “or” to separate listed elements indicates options of one or more of any or all of the listed elements. For example, the phrases “one or more of A, B, or C” and “at least one of A, B, or C” indicate options of: one or more A; one or more B; one or more C; one or more A and one or more B; one or more B and one or more C; one or more A and one or more C; and one or more of A, one or more of B, and one or more of C. Similarly, a list preceded by “a plurality of’ (and variations thereon) and including “or” to separate listed elements indicates options of multiple instances of any or all of the listed elements. For example, the phrases “a plurality of A, B, or C” and “two or more of A, B, or C” indicate options of: A and B; B and C; A and C; and A, B, and C.

[0076] In some examples, aspects of the disclosed technology, including computerized implementations of methods according to the disclosed technology, can be implemented as a system, method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming or engineering techniques to produce softw are, firmware, hardw are, or any combination thereof to control a processor device (e.g., a serial or parallel general purpose or specialized processor chip, a single- or multi-core chip, a microprocessor, a field programmable gate array, any variety of combinations of a control unit, arithmetic logic unit, and processor register, and soon), a computer (e.g., a processor device operatively coupled to a memory), or another electronically operated controller to implement aspects detailed herein. Accordingly, for example, aspects of the disclosed technology can be implemented as a set of instructions, tangibly embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable media, such that a processor device can implement the instructions based upon reading the instructions from the computer-readable media. Some examples of the disclosed technology can include (or utilize) a computing device such as an automation device, a special purpose or general purpose computer including various computer hardware, software, firmware, and so on, consistent with the discussion below. As specific examples, a computing device can include a processor, a microcontroller, a field- programmable gate array, a programmable logic controller, logic gates etc., and other typical components that are known in the art for implementation of appropriate functionality (e.g.. memory, communication systems, power sources, user interfaces and other inputs, etc.). In some examples, a computing device can include a centralized hub controller that receives, processes and (re)transmits control signals and other data to and from other distributed computing devices (e.g., an engine controller, an implement controller, a drive controller, etc.), including as part of a hub-and-spoke architecture or otherwise.

[0077] The term ‘'article of manufacture” as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier (e.g., non-transitoiy signals), or media (e.g., non-transitory media). For example, computer-readable media can include but are not limited to magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips, and so on), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), and so on), smart cards, and flash memory' devices (e.g., card, stick, and so on). Additionally, it should be appreciated that a carrier wave can be employed to carry computer-readable electronic data such as those used in transmitting and receiving electronic mail or in accessing a network such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to these configurations without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter.

[0078] Certain operations of methods according to the disclosed technology’, or of systems executing those methods, may be represented schematically in the figures, or otherwise discussed herein. Unless otherwise specified or limited, representation in the figures of particular operations in particular spatial order may not necessarily require those operations to be executed in a particular sequence corresponding to the particular spatial order. Correspondingly, certain operations represented in the FIGS., or otherwise disclosed herein, can be executed in different orders than are expressly illustrated or described, as appropriatefor particular examples of the disclosed technology. Further, in some examples, certain operations can be executed in parallel, including by dedicated parallel processing devices, or separate computing devices configured to interoperate as part of a large system.

[0079] As used herein in the context of computer implementation, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “component,” “system,” “module,” “block,” “device,” and the like are intended to encompass part or all of computer-related systems that include hardware, software, a combination of hardware and software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a processor device, a process being executed (or executable) by a processor device, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a computer program, or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computer and the computer can be a component. One or more components (or system, module, and so on) may reside within a process or thread of execution, may be localized on one computer, may be distributed between two or more computers or other processor devices, or may be included within another component (or system, module, and so on).

[0080] As used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, directional terms are used for convenience of reference for discussion of particular figures or examples. For example, references to downward (or other) directions or top (or other) positions may be used to discuss aspects of a particular example or figure, but do not necessarily require similar orientation or geometry in all installations or configurations.

[0081] Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, “substantially parallel” indicates a direction that is within ± 12 degrees of a reference direction (e.g., within ± 6 degrees), inclusive.

[0082] Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, “substantially perpendicular” indicates a direction that is within ± 12 degrees of perpendicular a reference direction (e.g., within ± 6 degrees), inclusive.

[0083] Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, “integral” and derivatives thereof (e.g., “integrally”) describe elements that are manufactured as a single piece without fasteners, adhesive, or the like to secure separate components together. For example, an element stamped, cast, or otherwise molded as a single-piece component from a single piece of sheet metal or using a single mold, without rivets, screws, or adhesive to hold separately formed pieces together is an integral (and integrally formed) element. In contrast, an element formed from multiple pieces that are separately formed initially then later connected together, is not an integral (or integrally formed) element.

[0084] Additionally, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “about’' and “approximately,” as used herein with respect to a reference value, refer to variations from the reference value of ± 15% or less, inclusive of the endpoints of the range. Similarly, the term “substantially equal” (and the like) as used herein with respect to a reference value refers to variations from the reference value of less than ± 10%, inclusive. Where specified, “substantially” can indicate in particular a variation in one numerical direction relative to a reference value. For example, “substantially less” than a reference value (and the like) indicates a value that is reduced from the reference value by 10% or more, and “substantially more” than a reference value (and the like) indicates a value that is increased from the reference value by 10% or more.

[0085] Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or specified, “substantially identical” refers to two or more components or systems that are manufactured or used according to the same process and specification, with variation between the components or systems that are within the limitations of acceptable tolerances for the relevant process and specification. For example, two components can be considered to be substantially identical if the components are manufactured according to the same standardized manufacturing steps, with the same materials, and within the same acceptable dimensional tolerances (e.g., as specified for a particular process or product).

[0086] Unless otherwise specifically indicated, ordinal numbers are used herein for convenience of reference, based generally on the order in which particular components are presented in the relevant part of the disclosure. In this regard, for example, designations such as “first,” “second,” etc., generally indicate only the order in which a thus-labeled component is introduced for discussion and generally do not indicate or require a particular spatial, functional, temporal, or structural primacy or order.

[0087] The above detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.

[0088] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the above description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting. The use of “including,"’ “comprising,’" or “having"’ and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” "‘connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected"’ and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0089] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Given the benefit of this disclosure, various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A construction material bender, comprising: a housing, including: a bend mechanism to bend the construction material; a powertrain to power the bend mechanism to bend the construction material; a feed mechanism to feed construction material through the bender; a positioning mechanism to position construction material within the bender; one or more sensors in communication with at least one of the bend mechanism, the powertrain, the feed mechanism, or the positioning mechanism; a communication system to facilitate wireless communication between the bender and a visualization system stored on computing device; and a controller to receive bend instructions from the visualization system, the controller to execute the bend instructions to manufacture the construction material according to the bend instructions.

2. The bender of claim 1 , wherein the controller executes the bend instructions to manufacture the construction material by operating at least one of the bend mechanism, the powertrain, the feed mechanism, or the positioning mechanism.

3. The bender of claim 1, further comprising: a user interface to permit a user to interact with the bender.

4. The bender of claim 3, wherein the user interface includes a display that depicts at least one of: a job queue; construction material information; start controls; or error information.

5. The bender of claim 1, wherein the construction material is one of: rigid metal conduit; intermediate metal conduit; rebar; round metal stock; or metal tubing.

6. The bender of claim 1, further comprising:a collapsable stand to support the housing, the stand including: a first leg including one or more wheels; a second leg including one or more ground engagement members, the ground engagement members to provide support to the bender when the stand is in a deployed position and to function as a handle when the stand is in a stowed position.

7. The bender of claim 1, further comprising: a safety system arranged within an end of the bender, the safety system including: an illumination device to generate and project a safety zone onto an area around the bender.

8. The bender of claim 7, wherein the safety system further includes one or more sensors, and wherein, when the one or more sensors detect an object within the safety zone, the bender automatically ceases operation.

9. The bender of claim 1, wherein the bender is powered via a removable, rechargeable battery.

10. The bender of claim 1, wherein the bender communicates with the computing device including the visualization system via one of: a Bluetooth connection; a Wi-Fi connection; a cellular connection; a near-field communication connection; or an ethemet connection.

11. A connected tubing bender system, comprising: a motor to rotate a motor shaft at a first rotational output; a reductive gearset coupling the motor to a bender shoe, the bender shoe defining an arcuate channel to receive tubing during a bend operation; a housing defining an interior cavity at least partially housing motor and the reductive gearset; a sensor to sense a rotational position of the bender shoe during a bend operation; a visualization system in wireless communication with the bender via a communication system, the visualization system to transmit one or more desired tubing bend instructions to the bender via the communication system; anda controller to receive the tubing bend instructions from the visualization system, the controller to execute the bend instructions to manufacture the tubing according to the bend instructions.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the housing at least partially houses: a feed mechanism to feed tubing through the bender; and a positioning mechanism to position tubing within the bender.

13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the tubing bend instructions include a desired diameter of the tubing.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the controller compares the desired diameter of the tubing from the tubing bend instructions to a set-up diameter of the bender, and, if the desired diameter and the set-up diameter do not match, the controller generates an error message.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the error message is displayed on a user interface of the tubing bender, and wherein the user interface further depicts a job queue for the tubing bender.

16. The system of claim 1 1, wherein, during manufacture of the tubing, the motor drives the bender shoe to overbend the tubing to account for springback in the tubing.

17. A method of manufacturing a workpiece via a bender, the method comprising: providing a bender with a bend mechanism to bend the workpiece, a powertrain to power the bend mechanism to bend the workpiece, a feed mechanism to feed the workpiece through the bender; receiving a model of a workpiece from a visualization system via a communication system of the bender; parsing the model of the workpiece to generate machine-readable bend instructions for execution by the bender; saving the machine-readable bend instructions as a bend operation within a job queue of the bender, the job queue depicted on a user interface of the bender; and upon selection of the bend operation within the job queue, executing the machine- readable bend instructions to manufacture the workpiece according to the bend instructions.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the workpiece is one of: rigid metal conduit; intermediate metal conduit;rebar; round metal stock; or metal tubing.

19. The method of claim 17. further comprising: prior to executing the bend instructions, comparing a selected diameter of the workpiece from the bend instructions to a set-up diameter of the bender; and when the selected diameter and the set-up diameter do not match, displaying an error message on the user interface.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: during manufacture of the workpiece, driving the bend mechanism via the powertrain to bend the workpiece past a desired bend angle to account for springback of the workpiece.

Images