Bending Machine Visual Leg-Length Check for Angle Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of bending machines face challenges in accurately determining the minimum leg length required for reliable bending angle measurement, leading to potential errors and scrap parts, as they must refer to tables for minimum leg length values and switch between measurement methods.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that incorporate a camera, display device, and control device with a memory for storing minimum leg length values, allowing for graphical representation of the minimum leg length on the bending edge, enabling operators to visually confirm if the bending deformation can be reliably measured using bending angle measuring devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If operators use tables to check minimum leg length values, then measurement accuracy can be ensured, but operation complexity increases and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the minimum leg length requirement by projecting a light pattern that directly shows the required length on the workpiece. Instead of operators consulting tables and manually checking values, the system projects an optical representation of the minimum length threshold, allowing direct visual comparison with the actual leg length to ensure measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/table-based checking system with an optical measurement and display system. The bending angle measuring device combines with a projection system to optically indicate minimum leg length requirements, substituting manual table consultation and mechanical measurement verification with automated optical indication and visual assessment.
2Measurement precision
If operators consult tables for minimum leg length values, then accurate measurement can be achieved, but time is lost and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and projecting the minimum leg length requirement before the actual bending measurement begins. The projection system displays the required minimum length threshold in advance, allowing operators to quickly verify whether the workpiece meets the requirement without needing to consult tables during the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical process of table consultation and manual verification with an automated optical indication system that instantly displays minimum leg length requirements, significantly reducing the time needed for leg length verification and improving overall bending operation efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If optical bending angle measuring devices are used, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but minimum leg length requirements increase operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bending angle measuring device with a minimum leg length indication device into a single integrated system. The same optical components and projection mechanisms are used for both measuring the bending angle and indicating the minimum leg length requirement, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining non-contact measurement capability.
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 simplifies the operation of bending machines by eliminating the need for separate numerical checks and reducing errors, allowing operators to immediately assess if the bending deformation can be reliably monitored using the bending angle measuring devices.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring light source optically scans the outer surface of the sheet by projecting a line onto it that rotates with changes in the bending angle
Implementation Method 2
the bending angle measuring device includes a laser for projecting a line of light onto a surface of the workpiece
Implementation Method 3
a camera for capturing images of a processing area between the bending tools
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for producing a component by shaping a workpiece (2) from sheet metal, comprising: a bending machine (1); a camera (12) for capturing images (25) of a processing region (13) between the bending tools (3, 4); a display apparatus (11) for displaying images (25) from the camera (12); a controller (9) having a manufacturing program (21) for operating the bending machine (1); and a bend-angle measuring apparatus (8-1, 8-2); wherein the controller (9) comprises a memory (23) containing values of a minimum limb length (18); and wherein the controller (9) comprises a program (20) for processing image information, which program generates a graphical length symbol (24) that corresponds to the value of the minimum limb length (18), and displays this symbol, together with the image (25) of the processing region (13), true to scale on the bending edge (28) to be formed, on the display apparatus (11).