Automated Bending Angle Measurement System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bending machines for metal sheet plates and profiles require manual angle measurement and rely on error-prone formulas, leading to inefficiencies and time losses due to material variability and human error in achieving the desired bending angle.

Innovation Solution

An automated bending angle measurement system using dual laser sensors and a control device that continuously measures and adjusts the bending angle, ensuring accuracy by recalculating and repositioning the bending elements until the target angle is achieved within +/-1 mm precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual angle measurement devices are used, then the bending angle can be measured, but the process requires substantial time loss and human intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending angle measurementVSAvoidtime loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical angle measurement devices with an automated sensor-based measurement system. Distance sensors (laser or ultrasonic) automatically measure the bending angle by detecting the position of the workpiece, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system performs self-service by automatically measuring the bending angle without human intervention. The sensors continuously monitor the bending process and provide real-time feedback to the control unit, enabling the system to self-regulate and eliminate the time loss associated with manual measurement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If separate bending for every material is realized and recorded, then material variability is accounted for, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial variability accommodationVSAvoidbending process efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where distance sensors continuously measure the actual bending angle and transmit this data to a control unit. The control unit compares the measured angle with the target angle and automatically adjusts the bending process in real-time, eliminating the need for separate manual adjustments for different materials and significantly improving productivity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-programming bending parameters for different materials in a database. When a new material is processed, the system automatically retrieves the appropriate parameters and adjusts the bending process accordingly, eliminating the need for manual setup and recording for each material type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If formulas based on machine geometry are used, then bending calculations can be performed, but error risk occurs due to human factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending angle accuracyVSAvoiderror risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual calculation methods based on geometric formulas with an automated sensor-based measurement and control system. Distance sensors directly measure the bending angle in real-time, and the control unit automatically processes the data to determine when the target angle is achieved, eliminating human calculation errors and significantly improving both precision and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Extent of automation

If automated sensor-based measurement is implemented, then bending angle can be measured automatically, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic angle measurementVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs universal distance sensors that can measure both the bending angle and the radius of curvature. The same sensor system serves multiple functions: measuring the workpiece position, calculating the bending angle, and providing feedback for process control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving high automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system enables precise and efficient automatic measurement and attainment of the desired bending angle, reducing time loss and error by continuously monitoring and adjusting the bending process until the target is reached.

Implementation Method 1

measuring the distance between the bending part and itself by means of laser rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

the laser ray...reflects back from the surface...provided in the opposite and the related sensor generates coordinates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3465081B1Bending angle measurement system
Publication Date: 2020.01.29 DURMAZLAR MAKINA SANAYI & TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
  • EP3465081B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3465081B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a bending angle measurement system for use in cylinder and profile bending machines and which determines the angle, formed during bending of the bending part (20), by means distance measurement device and which checks said angle and which provides said angle to reach the desired angle. The sensor (10) measures the distance between said bending part (20) and itself by means of laser and transfers measurement data to the control device (70). The control device (70) transforms said measurement data, transferred by the sensor (10), into angle value, and checks whether the bending part (20) has reached the bending angle targeted by the user, and checks the forward-backward movement of the bending part (20) between the upper holder element (41 ) and the lower holder element (42). The control device (70) moreover adjusts the position of the bending element (50) in order to adjust the bending angle of the bending part (20).