Bending Angle Measurement Along the Bending Line Without Device Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bending angle measurement methods on bending machines are limited to determining angles at specific points, requiring mechanical movement of measuring devices, which leads to inaccuracies and inefficiencies in measuring multiple positions along the bending line.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that use multiple measuring arrangements with illumination and image acquisition devices to project a light pattern with distinct zones along the bending line, allowing simultaneous contactless determination of bending angles without mechanical movement, using image analysis and processing to identify and calculate angles from acquired image information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single measuring arrangement is used to determine bending angle at specific points, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity decreases due to mechanical movement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement task into multiple independent measuring arrangements, each responsible for a specific zone along the bending line. Instead of moving one measuring device to multiple positions, multiple stationary measuring devices simultaneously measure different zones, eliminating mechanical movement while maintaining measurement precision for each zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point measurement approach to a multi-dimensional simultaneous measurement approach. By positioning multiple measuring arrangements at different lateral positions along the bending line, the system measures multiple points in parallel across the spatial dimension, converting a sequential measurement process into a simultaneous one.
2Productivity
If multiple measuring arrangements are used to measure multiple positions simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs each measuring arrangement as a universal module that can be replicated and positioned at different locations. Each measuring arrangement performs the same measurement function (projecting light pattern and capturing images), allowing the system to scale by simply adding identical modules rather than designing complex custom systems for each measurement point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical copies of the measuring arrangement at different positions along the bending line. Each copy projects its own light pattern and captures images independently, allowing the system to measure multiple zones simultaneously using replicated, standardized components rather than a single complex moving device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical movement is used to reposition measuring devices, then adaptability to different measurement positions is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to movement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple stationary measuring arrangements into a coordinated system that collectively covers the entire bending line. Instead of moving a single device to adapt to different positions, the system combines multiple fixed devices, each maintaining precise measurements at its designated position, achieving both adaptability and precision simultaneously.
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 accurate determination of bending angles for multiple positions along the bending line simultaneously, improving precision and reducing errors, and allows for real-time adjustment of bending processes and tool curvature, enhancing the quality of the bending process.
Implementation Method 1
a light pattern is imaged onto the workpiece by means of the at least one illumination device (7) of a respective measuring arrangement (4) on the assigned surface portion (6)
Implementation Method 2
The correspondingly imaged light pattern comprises a plurality of zones arranged side by side along the bending line, the plurality of zones being arranged immediately adjacent side by side
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the bending angle on a bending machine (1), wherein the bending machine (1) comprises an upper tool (2) and a lower tool (3) for reshaping a workpiece (6) by bending along a bending line (BL), wherein one or more measuring arrangements (4, 4') are positioned on the bending machine (1), which together include at least one illumination device (7) and in each case at least one image acquisition device (8), and wherein each measuring arrangement (4, 4') is assigned a different surface portion (SP) of the workpiece (6) which lies laterally adjacent to the bending line (BL) and extends along the bending line (BL), wherein a light pattern (LP) is imaged on the workpiece (6) by means of the at least one illumination device (7) of a respective measuring arrangement (4, 4') onto the assigned surface portion (SP), wherein the light pattern (LP) contains a plurality of zones (Z1, Z2,..., Z6) which are arranged side by side along the bending line (BL); - the light pattern (LP) is acquired by means of the at least one image acquisition device (8) of the respective measuring arrangement (4, 4'), whereby image information (IN) of the light pattern (LP) is obtained; the zones (Z1, Z2,..., Z6) contained therein are identified from the image information (IN) of the light pattern (LP) of the respective measuring arrangement (4, 4') by means of an evaluation device (5) and a bending angle (BA) of the assigned surface portion (SP) of the workpiece (6) caused by bending is determined for each zone (Z1, Z2,..., Z6).