Adjustable Gripper Fingers for Bending Tool Handling

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool handling systems for bending machines require frequent activation and deactivation of locking systems during automated tool exchange, leading to potential tool displacement and difficulty in positioning, especially when handling multiple tools.

Innovation Solution

A tool handling system with adjustable gripper fingers that allow for secure picking up of bending tools without premature deactivation of the locking system, ensuring the tool does not fall out by positioning the first gripper finger fully in the gripping recess and the second gripper finger only contacting the actuating element to deactivate the locking system once the tool is securely gripped.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the locking system is deactivated when the handling device picks up a bending tool, then the tool can be removed from the tool mounting, but the tool may fall out in an uncontrolled manner if the locking device is deactivated before the picking up process is complete

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool removalVSAvoidtool position control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first gripper finger is positioned fully in the gripping recess before the locking device is deactivated, ensuring the tool is already secured in the gripper. This preliminary positioning prevents the tool from falling out when the locking system is deactivated, as the tool is already held securely by the gripper fingers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping process is divided into two independent stages: first, the first gripper finger positions itself fully in the gripping recess to secure the tool; second, the second gripper finger deactivates the locking device. This segmentation allows the tool to be secured before the locking system is deactivated, preventing uncontrolled falling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the tool clamping is activated or deactivated multiple times during automated tool exchange, then several bending tools can be handled, but displacements in the position of the bending tools inside the tool clamp occur and automatic handling and positioning becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool exchange speedVSAvoidtool position precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The first gripper finger is positioned fully in the gripping recess before the locking device is deactivated, ensuring the tool is already secured in the gripper. This preliminary positioning prevents the tool from falling out when the locking system is deactivated, as the tool is already held securely by the gripper fingers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping process is divided into two independent stages: first, the first gripper finger positions itself fully in the gripping recess to secure the tool; second, the second gripper finger deactivates the locking device. This segmentation allows the tool to be secured before the locking system is deactivated, preventing uncontrolled falling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the first gripper finger is positioned fully in the gripping recess, then the bending tool is protected from falling out, but the adjustable second gripper finger may contact the actuating element and deactivate the locking system prematurely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool position controlVSAvoidgripper finger coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first gripper finger is positioned fully in the gripping recess before the locking device is deactivated, ensuring the tool is already secured in the gripper. This preliminary positioning prevents the tool from falling out when the locking system is deactivated, as the tool is already held securely by the gripper fingers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping process is divided into two independent stages: first, the first gripper finger positions itself fully in the gripping recess to secure the tool; second, the second gripper finger deactivates the locking device. This segmentation allows the tool to be secured before the locking system is deactivated, preventing uncontrolled falling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10384249B2Handling system for bending tools

Publication Date: 2019.08.20 TRUMPF MASCHEN AUSTRIA

AI summary

The invention relates to a tool handling system (1) for removing or inserting a bending tool (2) in a tool mounting (3), comprising a bending tool (2) having a gripping recess (16) and a locking device (7) that cooperates with the tool mounting (3), the locking device being deactivatable by an actuating element (10) which is arranged in the gripping recess (16) and is accessible therein, and further comprising a gripper (11) with a gripper base body (12), comprising a first gripper finger (14) arranged on the gripper base body and at least a second gripper finger (15) which is adjustable on the gripper base body (12) by means of an articulation (20). The invention is characterized in that the first gripper finger (14), when positioned in the gripping recess (16), and the adjustable second gripper finger (15), when positioned in a release position, do not contact the actuating element (10) and that the adjustable second gripper finger (15) contacts the actuating element (10) in a gripping position.