Autonomous Press Brake Assembly With Integrated Crane Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing press brake systems require significant operator intervention for material handling and bending operations, leading to increased time and safety risks due to the need for manual handling of metal sheets and tools.
Innovation Solution
A press brake system integrated with a crane system and programmable gauges that allow for unmanned autonomous operation, enabling the crane to retrieve, position, and store metal sheets and tools, while the programmable gauges automate the bending process by adjusting positions and tool changes under a single controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation is used for material handling and bending operations, then operator control and flexibility are maintained, but operator safety risks increase and operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The press brake system performs material handling, positioning, and bending operations autonomously without operator intervention. The crane system automatically retrieves metal sheets and positions them, while the press brake machine executes bending cycles based on programmed parameters, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminating exposure to safety risks
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated control system that integrates the crane and press brake machine. The controller receives input via touchscreen or other interfaces and automatically coordinates the crane's material handling with the press brake's forming operations, substituting human mechanical control with automated electronic control
2Productivity
If manual material handling is used, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but operation time and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs material retrieval, positioning, and bending operations without requiring operator intervention for each cycle. The crane system and press brake machine work in coordinated automation, significantly reducing operation time and labor intensity while maintaining full control through programmed parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system combines multiple functions including material handling by the crane, precise positioning by the positioning system, and bending operations by the press brake machine, all controlled through a single controller. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle various metal sheets and bending operations efficiently without requiring separate manual operations for each task
3Extent of automation
If automated crane system is integrated, then autonomous operation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crane system and press brake machine are merged into a single integrated automated system controlled by one controller. The controller coordinates the crane's material handling operations with the press brake's forming cycles, combining multiple subsystems into a unified automated workflow that achieves autonomous operation while managing complexity through integration
Data Source
AI summary
A press brake assembly including a crane system and press brake machine for processing a workpiece. The crane system having a workpiece handling mechanism configured to pick and store the workpiece. The crane system allows the crane to move along a plane via longitudinal and lateral rails. The crane also includes multiple swivel points to allow mobility to handle workpieces efficiently. The control system of the press brake machine may control the crane, allowing a single control system to control the press brake assembly.