Sheet Metal Bending Machine Shuttle Tool Convoy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bending machines require manual operation to mount and dismount auxiliary tools for partial bends, leading to significant downtime and reduced production efficiency, as these operations can only be performed before the production cycle starts and not during it.
Innovation Solution
A bending machine with a system of shuttles and a guide rail that allows for the automatic positioning and selection of auxiliary tools along the main bending tool, enabling quick and precise mounting/dismounting without manual intervention, allowing for partial bends during the production cycle without halting the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If auxiliary tools are manually mounted on the bending blade, then the auxiliary tools can be positioned and fixed on the bending blade, but the machine has to be stopped for a long time and production is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary tools are segmented into modular components that can be independently mounted on the bending blade. Each auxiliary tool can be separately positioned and fixed, allowing for flexible configuration without requiring complete disassembly or long停机 periods. The bending blade itself is segmented to accommodate multiple auxiliary tools at different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary tools are pre-positioned and pre-fixed on the bending blade before the bending operation begins. This preliminary preparation allows the tools to be ready for immediate use, eliminating the need for time-consuming mounting operations during production cycles. The tools are arranged in the correct sequence and positions in advance.
2Manufacturing precision
If auxiliary tools are manually selected and arranged on the bending blade, then the correct tool composition can be achieved, but the operation requires skilled operators and significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service mounting of auxiliary tools through automated mechanisms. The bending blade with pre-arranged auxiliary tools can be automatically positioned and fixed on the press brake without requiring skilled operators to manually select and arrange each tool. The automated positioning system ensures correct placement while eliminating the time-consuming manual selection and arrangement processes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If auxiliary tools are mounted before starting the production cycle, then the tools can be fixed on the bending blade, but the tools cannot be changed during the production cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static tool configuration (fixed before production) to a dynamic configuration system. The bending blade with auxiliary tools can be dynamically replaced or reconfigured during the production cycle according to different workpiece requirements. This allows the tool composition to adapt to changing production needs while maintaining stability during each specific bending operation.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple auxiliary tools of different sizes are arranged adjacent to achieve required length, then the partial bends can be executed, but the tools have to be precisely positioned along the bending blade
Solution Approach 1:
The bending blade is designed as a universal carrier that can accommodate multiple auxiliary tools of different sizes and configurations. The blade structure includes standardized positioning features and mounting mechanisms that work with various auxiliary tool types. This universality simplifies the arrangement process by providing a consistent interface for all tools, reducing the complexity of precise positioning while maintaining the ability to achieve required bending lengths through different tool combinations.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet metal bending machine comprises main bending tool assembly (2; 6) that extends along a longitudinal direction (A) and is movable so as to bend a workpiece (50), a guide (3) associated and parallel to the main bending tool assembly (2; 6), extending through a working zone (W) of the bending machine (1) and sideways protruding from the latter at least with a first end portion (4), and shuttles (21, 22, 23) slidably mounted on said guide (3) and supporting at least one auxiliary tool (41, 42) to be associated with the main bending tool assembly (2; 6) in order to execute partial bends on the workpiece (50); the shuttles (21, 22, 23) are movable along the longitudinal direction (A) between a first active position (P1), in which the shuttle (21, 22, 23) are inside the working zone (W) and the auxiliary tool (41, 42) is mounted on the main bending tool assembly (2; 6), and a first inactive position (R1), in which the shuttle (21, 22, 23) are outside the working zone (W) and positioned at the first end portion (4) of the guide (3); the shuttle comprise a first set (11) of shuttles (21, 22, 23), each shuttle (21, 22, 23) carrying a respective auxiliary tool (41, 42), said shuttles (21, 22, 23) being mutually connectable to form a first shuttle convoy (13) having a selectable number of shuttles (21, 22, 23); the first shuttle convoy (13) is movable between said first inactive position (R1) and said first active position (P1) in order to mount a defined composition of auxiliary tools (41, 42) on the main bending tool assembly (2; 6).