Bending Tool Locking Structure With Multi-Side Gripper Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bending tools for tool receptacles are complex and costly due to numerous component parts, leading to manufacturing errors and high production costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified bending tool design featuring a tool body with a directly coupled actuating element and locking element, utilizing a snapping mechanism and rotational symmetry for easy manufacturing and universal usability, along with a gripping device for secure insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex coupling mechanism is used to connect the actuating element and locking element, then the bending tool can achieve reliable locking function, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuating element and locking element into a single integrated component. The actuating element directly forms the locking catch without requiring a separate coupling mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the reliable locking function through the direct coupling of components.
2Reliability
If multiple component parts are used in the bending tool design, then the locking element can achieve secure engagement, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase and production errors become more likely
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple components into fewer integrated parts, the patent reduces the number of interfaces and assembly points where precision errors could occur. The direct integration of the actuating element and locking catch eliminates the need for precise coupling between separate components, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining engagement security.
3Device complexity
If the bending tool is designed with asymmetric actuation, then the locking mechanism can be simplified, but the adaptability to different operating conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the actuating element with universal functionality by providing actuating faces on multiple surfaces of the integrated component. This allows the locking mechanism to be actuated from different directions (asymmetric actuation) while maintaining adaptability to various operating conditions and gripping device configurations, thereby achieving both simplicity and versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a bending tool (6) with an actuating element (19) accessible outside the tool receptacle, with coupled to it a locking element (20) with a locking catch (21) for securing the bending tool (6) in the tool receptacle. The first end portion (32) of the actuating element (19) has an actuating face (33) arranged on the end side and the second end portion (34) of the actuating element (19) has an actuating recess (35).The invention further concerns a gripping device (14) for manipulating a bending tool (6), comprising a first gripping arm (59) and a second gripping arm (60) displaceable relative to the first gripping arm (59) in the clamping direction (64), said gripping arms (59) being formed to engage in a gripping groove (23, 24) of the bending tool (6) and to clamp the bending tool (6). Also formed is an unlocking member (65) for actuating an actuating element (19) of the bending tool (6), said unlocking member (65) being longitudinally displaceable normally to the clamping direction (64) relative to the gripping arms (59, 60).