Active Crowning Press Control Without Dissipative Valves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bending presses with crowning systems suffer from energy waste, operational inefficiency, and reduced lifespan due to the need for continuous operation and the presence of dissipative elements like valves and solenoid valves, which cause oil heating and performance loss.

Innovation Solution

A bending press with an active crowning system that uses a variable speed pump motor and deformation transducers to activate the crowning system only when needed, eliminating dissipative elements and using a central control unit to manage oil flow dynamically, ensuring precise deformation control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the crowning system is kept operational continuously, then it is ready when necessary, but energy is wasted and the system components deteriorate faster

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadiness of crowning systemVSAvoidenergy waste from continuous operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The crowning system is activated periodically only when needed during sheet bending operations rather than running continuously. The control unit activates the crowning cylinders during bending and deactivates them during idle periods, eliminating unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining operational readiness when required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If valves and solenoid valves are used in the crowning system, then oil flow can be controlled, but energy is dissipated and oil heating occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil flow control capabilityVSAvoidenergy dissipation through dissipative elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes dissipative elements (valves and solenoid valves) from the crowning system. Instead of using traditional valve-based control, the system uses a pump that directly controls oil flow to the crowning cylinders, eliminating energy dissipation and heat generation associated with valve operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of energy

If the crowning system is activated only when needed, then energy waste is reduced, but the system must be rapidly activated when required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereduction of energy wasteVSAvoidactivation speed of crowning system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is configured to activate the crowning system in advance or immediately when bending operations are detected or initiated. By using sensors to detect sheet presence and bending requirements, the system prepares and activates crowning at the optimal moment, ensuring rapid response while maintaining energy efficiency during idle periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system reduces energy waste, extends the useful life of the crowning system by minimizing oil heating and performance loss, and optimizes power usage by activating only during processing, thus enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a variable speed pump motor (32)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one crowning cylinder (18, 20, 22) connected to a pressurized oil feeding apparatus (24)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

at least one position or deformation transducer (28) positioned on the lower beam (16)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation sensing: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4588586A1Bending press with active crowning system and bending method with active crowning system
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 GASPARINI IND
  • EP4588586A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4588586A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4588586A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bending press (12) with active crowning system comprises an upper beam (14) and a lower beam (16). The lower beam (16) is provided with at least one crowning cylinder (18, 20, 22) connected to a pressurized oil feeding apparatus (24). The bending press further comprises at least one position or deformation transducer (26) arranged on the upper beam (14), at least one position or deformation transducer (28) arranged on the lower beam (16), and a central control unit (30) to which the position or deformation transducers (26, 28) and the oil feeding apparatus (24) are operatively connected. The pressurized oil feeding apparatus (24) is driven by a variable speed pump motor (32), based on the position or deformation measured at the at least one position or deformation transducer (26) arranged on the upper beam (14), and at least one position or deformation transducer (28) arranged on the lower beam (16).