Bending Press Tool Changing Device Linear Guide Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool changing systems in bending presses are inefficient, as they require extensive time and are not ideal for quick tool changes, lacking stability and simplicity.

Innovation Solution

A bending press design featuring a first fixed press beam and a second adjustable press beam with a tool changing device mounted on a first linear guide, a second linear guide arranged at a distance, and a drive device using a rack and pinion system, along with a gripper system for efficient tool positioning and manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a tool changing system is mounted on the back gauge, then tool changing can be performed, but the back gauge is not ideally suited for changing tools and stability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool changing capabilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The tool changing device is extracted from the back gauge and mounted independently on the press beam using linear guides. This separates the tool changing function from the back gauge, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the structural stability of either.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If a tool changing device is mounted on a single linear guide, then the structure can be simple, but stability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoiddevice stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The tool changing device transitions from being supported by a single linear guide to being supported by two linear guides arranged at a distance from each other. This dimensional change in the support structure provides both ends support, significantly enhancing the stability of the tool changing device while maintaining relatively simple construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If the linear guides are arranged close together, then the structure is compact, but stability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural compactnessVSAvoidtool changing device stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The two linear guides are arranged at a distance from each other along the press beam, creating a distributed support structure. This spatial arrangement provides both ends support for the tool changing device, enhancing stability without excessive increase in overall footprint, as the guides are positioned within the available space on the press beam.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Speed

If a rack and pinion drive system is used, then high acceleration values can be achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacceleration capabilityVSAvoiddrive system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive system uses a rack and pinion mechanism, which is a classic mechanical transmission system. While mechanically simple in concept, it provides high acceleration capability through direct engagement. The rack is mounted on the press beam and the pinion on the tool changing device, creating a reliable drive system that balances simplicity with high performance.

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

5Stability of the object's composition

If the tool changing device is designed with heavy components for stability, then stability is improved, but the device becomes less efficient and more costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool changing device stabilityVSAvoidtool changing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing component weight for stability, the solution uses two linear guides arranged at a distance to provide both ends support. This structural approach achieves high stability through geometric distribution of support points rather than through mass, keeping the device lightweight and efficient while maintaining excellent stability during tool changing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3389888B1Bending press with tool-changing device
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 TRUMPF MASCHEN AUSTRIA
  • EP3389888B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3389888B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3389888B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a bending press, especially a press brake (2), comprising a first stationary crosshead (4), and a second crosshead (7) that can be moved in relation thereto, a machine frame (17) on which the crossheads (4, 7) are received and which is arranged on an inner side (21) of the crossheads (4, 7), tool-holding elements (5), arranged or embodied on the crossheads (4, 7), for receiving bending tools (6), and a tool-changing device (16) which is used to position the bending tools (6) in the tool-holding element (5). The tool-changing device (16) is mounted on a first linear guide (20) which is arranged on the inner side (21) of the first crosshead (4). In addition, at least one second linear guide (22) is provided, which is arranged at a distance (23) from the first linear guide (20). Furthermore, a drive device is (19) is provided, by means of which the tool-changing device (16) can be moved along the length (18) of the tool-holding elements (5).