Repeatable Bending Angle Apparatus with Removable Stop Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal bending apparatuses face difficulties in achieving identical bending angles due to metal spring-back and variations in bend angles based on metal type, gage, and cross-section, often requiring complex setups and risking damage from hydraulic forces.
Innovation Solution
A repeatable bending apparatus using a planar disk with angular indicators and adjustable locking mechanisms, allowing for manual or hydraulic power operation, ensures consistent bending angles by using a stop system that prevents over-bending and allows for easy setup of identical angles through trial and error, with modifications for hydraulic power to manage excessive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a metal circle with bolts is used to stop the bending arm at a specific angle, then identical bending angles can be achieved, but the apparatus is damaged when the bending angle exceeds the bolt location due to hydraulic cylinder force
Solution Approach 1:
A removable stop block serves as an intermediary element between the bending arm and the angle reference circle. The stop block can be positioned at different locations around the circle to define different bending angles, and can be easily replaced or repositioned without damaging the apparatus. This mediator absorbs the hydraulic force and allows angle adjustment without compromising the structural integrity of the main apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle reference system is made dynamic through the use of a removable and repositionable stop block. Instead of a fixed bolt configuration, the stop block can be moved to different angular positions around the circle, allowing the bending angle to be adjusted dynamically. This dynamic configuration enables flexible angle setting while maintaining apparatus integrity through proper force distribution.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex apparatus is used to achieve identical bending angles for different metal characteristics, then bending precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The angle reference circle with equally spaced holes serves as a universal reference system that can accommodate different stop block positions for various bending angles. The same basic apparatus structure can be used for different metal types and gages by simply repositioning the stop block, rather than requiring complex adjustment mechanisms for each material type. This universal reference system simplifies the overall device while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle control function is segmented into separate components: the angle reference circle, the stop block, and the bending arm. The stop block can be independently positioned at different locations on the circle to define different angles. This segmentation allows simple geometric reference elements to provide precise angle control without requiring complex integrated mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual operation is used to determine bend angle through trial and error, then setup simplicity is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The desired bending angle is determined through trial and error on a sample piece beforehand. Once the correct angle is found, the stop block is positioned at the corresponding location on the angle reference circle. This preliminary action establishes a reference position that can be repeatedly used for producing identical bends, eliminating the need for repeated trial and error during production.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle determined through initial trial and error is copied to the production process by marking the stop block position on the angle reference circle. This copied reference position allows subsequent bends to be made quickly and consistently without repeating the trial and error process, significantly reducing time loss while maintaining setup simplicity.
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
Enables easy and accurate production of multiple identical angle bends in metal strips or tubes, preventing apparatus damage from hydraulic forces and simplifying the process for both manual and hydraulic operations, ensuring consistent results across similar stock pieces.
Implementation Method 1
the desired first angle is provided by a stop having a spring loaded pin mounted within a recess in the stop facing the bending arm
Data Source
AI summary
A manual and two pneumatic powered versions of bending apparatus with added indicator apparatus for indicating the bending arm angle, apparatus for rotating and locking the indicator apparatus at the rotated angle and stop means for stopping the bending arm at the rotated angle are provided. After a metal element is bent the bending force is removed, and the bend angle measured to determine if the required bend angle after spring back was obtained.