Bending Machine Angle Measurement Using Zoned Optical Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bending angle measurement methods on bending machines can only determine bending angles for specific points on the workpiece, leading to inaccuracies due to the need for mechanical movement of measuring devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that use multiple measuring arrangements with illumination and image acquisition devices to project and analyze light patterns divided into zones along the bending line, allowing for simultaneous, contactless determination of bending angles for multiple positions without mechanical movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single measuring arrangement is used to determine bending angle at specific points, then measurement can be performed, but mechanical movement is required to measure multiple positions which reduces accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending angle measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasuring device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the workpiece surface into multiple zones along the bending line, with each zone assigned to a separate measuring arrangement. Each measuring arrangement independently measures bending angles in its assigned zone simultaneously, eliminating the need for mechanical movement and improving measurement accuracy across multiple positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple measuring arrangements are positioned to cover different surface portions, then bending angles for multiple positions can be determined simultaneously, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidnumber of measuring arrangements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent measuring arrangements, each responsible for a specific zone along the bending line. This segmentation enables simultaneous measurement across multiple positions, significantly improving productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical movement is used to position measuring device for different regions, then multiple positions can be measured, but inaccuracies are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidbending angle determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical movement system with a multi-point optical measurement system. Instead of moving a single measuring arrangement mechanically, multiple measuring arrangements are statically positioned to cover different zones, eliminating mechanical errors and improving measurement precision while maintaining full measurement coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 high-accuracy determination of bending angles for a large number of positions along the bending line, improving measurement precision and reducing errors associated with mechanical movement.

Implementation Method 1

optical methods are used for this purpose, in which a light pattern is directed onto a section of the formed workpiece and recorded by a camera

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical method: Light

Implementation Method 2

The bending angle can then be calculated using known methods of trigonometry based on the deformation of this light pattern during bending

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight pattern deformation: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12214403B2Method and device for determining a bending angle on a bending machine

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 BYSTRONIC LASER AG

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a method for determining the bending angle on a bending machine, wherein the bending machine includes an upper tool and a lower tool for reshaping a workpiece by bending along a bending line. One or more measuring arrangements are positioned on the bending machine, which together include at least one illumination device and in each case at least one image acquisition device. Each measuring arrangement is assigned a different surface portion of the workpiece which lies laterally adjacent to the bending line and extends along the bending line. A light pattern is imaged on the workpiece by means of the at least one illumination device of a respective measuring arrangement onto the assigned surface portion. The light pattern contains a plurality of zones which are arranged side by side along the bending line.