Automatic Calculation Device for Bending Machine Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manually determining the operation mode of a positioning mechanism for a bending machine is challenging for novice operators due to the need for familiarity with various operation modes, which complicates the process of positioning workpieces accurately.

Innovation Solution

An automatic calculation device that determines the operation mode of a positioning mechanism based on the positional relation between a tool and the workpiece, using a computer to select the appropriate gauge mode for each bending process, thereby automating the selection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If operators manually determine the operation mode of the positioning mechanism, then the positioning accuracy can be maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates for novice operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the operation mode of the positioning mechanism based on workpiece information and tool position data, enabling the system to self-configure without operator intervention. The computer automatically selects appropriate back gauge and side gauge operations, eliminating the need for operators to manually determine complex positioning modes while maintaining accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation modes are provided for the positioning mechanism, then the adaptability improves for different bending processes, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects the appropriate operation mode based on real-time analysis of workpiece information and tool position data. Rather than requiring operators to manually configure static modes, the system automatically adapts its positioning strategy by determining which back gauges and side gauges to operate, and in what sequence, based on the specific bending process requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the positioning mechanism based on the bending process requirements. By analyzing workpiece dimensions, tool positions, and bending sequences, the computer automatically adjusts which gauges are activated and how they are operated, effectively changing the positioning mode parameters to match each specific bending task without requiring physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automatic calculation is implemented to determine operation modes, then the productivity improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the manual mechanical process of determining operation modes with an automated computational system. The computer analyzes workpiece information and tool position data to automatically determine the positioning mechanism's operation modes, substituting human cognitive processes with automated calculation and decision-making algorithms, thereby eliminating manual intervention while improving productivity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4653107A1Automatic calculating device and automatic calculating method
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 AMADA CO LTD
  • EP4653107A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4653107A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3B
  • EP4653107A1 patent drawingFigure 3C~4B

AI summary

An automatic calculation device (40) comprises a computer configured to determine an operation mode of a positioning mechanism (14) for positioning the workpiece (W) at a bending position in a bending machine by moving the workpiece with a robot (20). The positioning mechanism (14) includes a plurality of operation modes for performing the positioning of the workpiece (W) depending on a combination of an operation of a pair of back gauges (15a, 15b) and an operation of a side gauge (16). The computer determines the operation mode of the positioning mechanism (14) from among a plurality of operation modes based on a positional relation between a tool and the positioning mechanism (14), and information on the workpiece (W), for each bending process performed on the workpiece (W).