Bending Press Tool Drawers for Faster Tool Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bending presses require frequent tool changes, which are inefficient and ergonomically challenging due to the need to transport tools between the press and a separate tool cabinet, increasing operational effort and costs.

Innovation Solution

Integrating drawers next to the upper and/or lower beams of the bending press to store and access bending tools and parts directly, reducing the need for a separate tool cabinet and enhancing ergonomics and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If bending tools are stored in a separate bending tool cabinet, then tools can be stored organized and protected, but the operator must transport tools between the press and cabinet, increasing physical effort and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool accessibilityVSAvoidtool change time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the tool cabinet directly into the press structure by positioning it adjacent to the press and providing direct access to tool storage locations from the press operating area. This merging of previously separate functions (press operation and tool storage) eliminates the need for tool transport between locations, directly resolving the contradiction between organized storage and quick accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If bending tools are stored in a separate bending tool cabinet, then tools are protected and organized, but physical effort to transport tools increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool handling effortVSAvoidtool transport weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the tool cabinet adjacent to the press with direct access points, the patent eliminates the need to physically transport heavy tools between separate locations. The operator can access tools directly at the press, removing the burden of moving weight while maintaining organized storage protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a separate bending tool cabinet is used, then tools can be stored securely, but costs increase due to procurement and space requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool storage securityVSAvoidsystem component count
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the tool cabinet function with the press structure by positioning the cabinet adjacent to the press and integrating access mechanisms. This merger maintains secure tool storage while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating the need for a completely separate, standalone tool cabinet system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated tool cabinet serves multiple functions: secure storage, organized arrangement, and direct accessibility from the press. By designing the cabinet to fulfill multiple requirements simultaneously, the patent reduces the need for additional separate systems while maintaining reliability and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3204176B1Bending press
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 BYSTRONIC LASER AG
  • EP3204176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3204176B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3204176B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a bending press (11) for bending metal sheets, comprising a top beam (21) and a lower beam (26), and two drawers (31, 31A). Said drawers (31, 31A) are arranged at both sides of the lower beam (26) and are designed to accommodate bending tools and/or parts.