Bending Angle Measurement with Dual Light Lines for Shadowed Workpieces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bending machines face challenges in accurately measuring bending angles on workpieces with complex structures due to shadowing of the camera's field of view by workpiece parts, leading to unreliable measurements.
Innovation Solution
A bending device with a measuring device comprising two exit openings for light lines arranged symmetrically with respect to the camera's window, allowing for flexible measurement using either exit opening, and a deflection device that can pivot to adjust the light path, enabling accurate angle determination without moving the measuring device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single exit opening for light line is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of measurement is compromised for complex workpieces due to shadowing
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is segmented into multiple exit openings (first exit opening and second exit opening) arranged at different positions. This allows selective use of different exit openings depending on the workpiece geometry and bending process, ensuring the light line remains detectable even when some paths are shadowed by complex workpiece structures.
2Ease of operation
If the camera is moved to different locations on the press table, then the field of view can be adjusted, but the ease of operation is reduced due to the need to reposition the measuring device
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adaptability by allowing the deflection device to switch between different light paths (first and second exit openings) without requiring physical repositioning of the camera or measuring device. This dynamic switching capability maintains ease of operation while avoiding time loss associated with moving components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a deflection device is added to switch between light paths, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A deflection device acts as an intermediary component that redirects light from a single light source through different exit openings. This intermediary mechanism provides adaptability for measuring complex workpieces while keeping the overall system relatively simple by avoiding the need for multiple independent light sources or complex mechanical repositioning systems.
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
This solution provides reliable and flexible measurement of bending angles on complex workpieces by ensuring the light line remains detectable, even during partial bending processes, and allows for simpler evaluation and higher measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Illumination device for generating a line of light on the workpiece
Implementation Method 2
camera for recording an image of the line of light
Implementation Method 3
deflection device for light from the light source and the deflection device is designed to direct the light from the light source either through a first illumination beam path and the first exit opening or through a second illumination beam path and the second exit opening
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a bending device (1) for forming a workpiece (4), having two pressure beams and bending tools (2, 3) mounted thereon, having a measuring device (9, 10) for determining a bending angle (7, 8) for the workpiece (4) with respect to a bending axis (6), said measuring device comprising a lighting device (15) for generating a light line (17) on the workpiece (4) and a camera (21) for capturing an image of the light line (17). The camera (21) and a first exit opening (14) of the lighting device (15) are spaced from one another in the direction parallel to the bending axis (6). The bending angle (7, 8) can be determined using an image recognition program, from a change in the image of the light line (17) in images from the camera (21). The lighting device (15) comprises a second exit opening (19) for producing a second light line, wherein the first exit opening (14) and the second exit opening (19) of the lighting device (15) are spaced from one another in the direction parallel to the bending axis (6), and the camera (21) is arranged between the first exit opening (14) and the second exit opening (19).