Bending Tool Contact Element Actuation Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical interfaces in bending tools for bending machines are prone to mechanical damage and wear due to protruding contact pins, leading to unreliable long-term connections.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable contact element is used that is actively pressed into contact position by an actuator on the tool holder, avoiding mechanical loads and wear during insertion and removal, and automatically returns to a protected rest position when deactivated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact pins are resiliently mounted and slightly engaged by contact surfaces, then electrical connection is established, but contact pins protrude and are exposed to mechanical loads causing damage and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional contacting mechanism: instead of the tool holder's contact surface actively pressing the contact pin into contact (which causes protrusion and wear), the contact element remains in a retracted rest position and is only actively pressed into the contact position when the bending tool is properly inserted and clamped. This reversal eliminates continuous mechanical stress and wear during insertion/removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element is designed to be dynamically adjustable between a rest position (retracted, protected) and a contact position (extended, electrically connected). The actuating element on the tool holder actively controls this dynamic positioning, allowing the contact element to adapt its state based on whether the tool is inserted or removed, thereby preventing mechanical damage during tool changes.
2Reliability
If contact pins are actively pressed into contact position during insertion, then electrical connection is established, but grinding processes occur between contact pins and tool holder causing wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by ensuring the bending tool is correctly positioned and clamped in the tool holder before the contact element is actively pressed into the contact position. The actuating element on the tool holder detects or ensures proper insertion first, then activates the contact element. This sequence prevents grinding and wear by eliminating relative movement between contacting surfaces during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical pressing mechanism (where contact surfaces force pins into contact) with an active controlled mechanism. The actuating element on the tool holder actively adjusts the contact element's position, providing precise control over when and how contact is made, thereby eliminating uncontrolled grinding and wear that occurs with passive mechanical pressing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If contact elements are retracted in rest position, then mechanical damage is prevented, but electrical connection cannot be established without active actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the actuating element on the tool holder to automatically activate the contact element when the bending tool is inserted. The system uses the insertion action itself (or a sensor detecting insertion) to trigger the actuation mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual control. This reduces operational complexity while maintaining the protective rest position and reliable contact position functionality.
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
This design ensures a reliable and long-term electrical connection by preventing mechanical damage and wear, maintaining contact element integrity and reducing contact resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element acting on the contact element in the direction of the rest position is arranged in the fastening section
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a bending tool (1) for attachment to a tool holder (2) of a bending machine, in particular a press brake, comprising a mounting section (5) that can be coupled to a receiving section (4) of the tool holder (2) and an adjustable contact element (13) for electrically connecting a functional element (10) formed on the bending tool (1) to a contact surface (14) on the receiving section (4) of the tool holder (2). The contact element (13) can be moved by an actuating element (24) arranged in the receiving section (4) of the tool holder (2) from a rest position (21) spaced apart from the contact surface (14) relative to an outer surface (22) of the mounting section (5) to a contact position (23) touching the contact surface (14).