Bending Beam Tool Release for Faster Press Brake Changeovers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bending machines require manual effort and long changeover times for tool exchange, while automatic systems are costly and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A bending machine design that utilizes the movement of the bending beam to actuate a release mechanism, allowing for automatic fixing and release of bending tools, thereby simplifying the tool exchange process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual holding devices are used for bending tool exchange, then device complexity is reduced, but operator effort and changeover time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding device complexityVSAvoidchangeover time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bending beam itself performs the release function by automatically actuating the release means through its movement. The system uses its own operational movement (bending beam displacement) to trigger the tool release, eliminating the need for separate automated actuation systems while reducing changeover time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of time

If automatic holding devices with actuators are used, then changeover time is reduced, but manufacturing costs and error susceptibility increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechangeover timeVSAvoidholding device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system eliminates complex actuators by making the bending beam's own movement perform the release function. The bending beam directly actuates the release means through its displacement, converting the beam's motion into the release action without requiring separate automated actuation systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The bending beam serves dual functions: it performs the primary bending operation and simultaneously acts as the actuator for releasing the holding device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated release actuators, reducing system complexity and cost

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

3Ease of operation

If complex automated release mechanisms are implemented, then operator effort is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool release operationVSAvoidrelease means complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bending beam automatically triggers the release means through its movement, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex automated actuation systems. The system uses its own operational movement to perform the release function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4433236B1Bending machine
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 BYSTRONIC LASER AG
  • EP4433236B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4433236B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4433236B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a bending machine, wherein the bending machine (100; 200) has a bending beam (105; 205, 205') which can be moved at least in one working direction (z) of the bending machine (100; 200) to form a workpiece by bending along a bending line running in a width direction (y) of the bending machine (100; 200), wherein the bending machine (100; 200) comprises a holding device (113; 213) for fixing at least one bending tool (109; 209) on the bending machine (100; 200), and wherein a release means (116; 216) is provided on the bending machine (100; 200) to move the holding device (113; 213) from a closed position, in which the at least one bending tool (109; 209 ) is fixed, into an open position releasing the at least one bending tool (109; 209). The bending machine (100; 200) is designed such that a movement of the bending beam (105; 205, 205') towards a predetermined release position actuates the release means (116; 216) when the predetermined release position is reached.