Inclination Sensor for Bending Press Angle Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angle-measuring devices for sheet metal workpieces are complex, prone to faults, and lack the necessary accuracy for precise bending operations, often requiring additional equipment and being susceptible to tool disruptions.
Innovation Solution
An electrical inclination sensor with microelectronic design is used to measure the angular position of workpiece limbs relative to a reference plane, providing high resolution and accuracy, and can be manually or automatically positioned during bending operations to compensate for surface irregularities and material fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional angle-measuring devices (feelers, distance sensors, optical systems) are used, then angle measurement capability is provided, but device complexity increases and measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measuring systems (feelers, distance sensors, optical systems) with a simple electrical inclination sensor that directly measures the angle between the workpiece and reference plane. This substitution dramatically simplifies the measuring device while achieving high measurement precision through direct electrical sensing rather than mechanical contact or optical calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential measurement function needed for angle determination, eliminating unnecessary mechanical components like feelers, thrust mechanisms, and complex sensor assemblies. The inclination sensor provides a minimalistic solution that captures only the required angular information without the burden of additional mechanical complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple independent feelers and thrust mechanisms are used for measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but reliability decreases due to susceptibility to faults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent measurement functions into a single inclination sensor that simultaneously provides angle measurement capability. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple feelers, separate thrust mechanisms, and independent sensor systems, thereby improving reliability by reducing the number of potential failure points while simplifying the overall device structure.
3Measurement precision
If additional measuring equipment is installed next to the production plant, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inclination sensor serves multiple functions: it measures the bending angle directly, provides real-time feedback for process control, and can be integrated with the existing production plant control system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate additional measuring equipment installed next to the production plant, as the single sensor accomplishes measurement, data acquisition, and control integration in one device.
4Ease of operation
If conventional measuring methods are used, then angle measurement is possible, but ease of operation is reduced due to manual positioning and tool disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The inclination sensor automatically positions itself on the workpiece surface and begins measuring without requiring manual adjustment or intervention. The sensor self-adjusts to the workpiece geometry and provides continuous angle measurement data, eliminating the time loss associated with manual positioning and tool disruptions while significantly improving ease of operation.
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
The solution enables precise and reliable angle measurements, reducing the need for additional equipment and minimizing tool disruptions, allowing for consistent bending results despite material variations, and can be used for both real-time and post-bending angle verification.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical inclination sensor with microelectronic design is used to measure the angular position of workpiece limbs relative to a reference plane
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a production plant (1), in particular for folding workpieces (2) to be produced from sheet metal, comprising a bending press (3), in particular a press brake, having a press beam (13, 16), at least one bending tool (4), such as a bending punch (5) and bending die (6), which is connected to the press beam (13, 16), and at least one angle-measuring device (46) for determining an angular position of at least one limb (35, 36) of the workpiece (2) formed by a bending operation relative to a reference plane (41, 42). The angle-measuring device (46) comprises at least one inclination sensor (39) having a reference surface (40) and the inclination sensor (39) is mounted by the angle-measuring device (46) so that it can be placed with the reference surface (40) lying in contact with a surface portion of at least one of the limbs (35, 36) of the workpiece (2).