Bending Machine Support Device for Preformed Metal Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bending machines for metal sheets are limited in their ability to process preformed or bent metal sheets with varying shapes, as they require flat sheets and lack flexibility in accommodating different bend angles and designs.
Innovation Solution
A pivot bending machine with a support device featuring adjustable support modules and actuators that allow for horizontal displacement and gap adjustment, enabling the processing of preformed metal sheets by aligning them with adjustable support surfaces and storage rolls, which can be moved in a space-saving manner using a belt drive and manipulator system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed support device is used for bending machines, then the structure is simple and stable, but the machine cannot process preformed or bent metal sheets with varying shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into multiple support modules (first support module, second support module) that can be independently adjusted. Each module contains support elements that can be individually positioned, allowing the device to adapt to various sheet shapes while maintaining a modular, manageable structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are made adjustable and movable rather than fixed. The support modules can be displaced horizontally, and support elements can be repositioned within modules, transforming the static support device into a dynamic system that adapts to different processing requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If support elements are fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the machine cannot accommodate different bend angles and designs
Solution Approach 1:
Support elements are equipped with actuators that enable automatic positioning and adjustment. The elements can be moved to different positions and angles automatically, reducing manual setup time while providing flexibility for different bend angles and designs
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements can change their position parameters, orientation angles, and spacing dynamically through actuator control. This allows the system to adapt to various bend angles and sheet designs by adjusting parameters rather than requiring physical reconfiguration
3Volume of moving object
If segmented support elements are used that can be moved and stored, then space utilization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Segmented support elements can be rolled onto storage rolls when not in use, similar to a nested doll configuration. This allows the elements to be compacted into a space-saving storage position while maintaining full functionality when deployed, effectively reducing the volume occupied by the support device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a bending machine (1) for metal sheets (3). The bending machine (1) comprises a machine frame (4) and a support device (15) which is designed to hold the metal sheet (3) to be bent, a support surface (16) of the support device (15) being arranged in a horizontal plane with the support surface (7) of a clamping base (5). The support device (15) has at least a first support module (17) and a second support module (18) having a first support surface (19) and a second support surface (20). At least one of the support modules (17, 18) is horizontally displaceable in the longitudinal direction (21) of the bending machine (1) and as a result a first gap (22) extending at right angles to the blank-holder edge (12) can be set between the two support modules (17, 18). The support modules (17, 18) each have at least a first support element (24) and a second support element (24, 25) with a second gap (26) located between the support elements (24, 25), which second gap (26) is oriented parallel to the blank-holder edge (12).