Bending Tool Positioning for Strand Workpiece Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bending machines for strand-shaped workpieces, such as pipes, lack the flexibility to achieve a wide range of bends with precise control over the bending tool, limiting their ability to create complex geometries.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a holder with a clamping mechanism, a bending tool with a radius and bending part, and a tool driveshaft for precise control, along with a positioning system that allows transverse movement and rotation of the bending tool relative to the workpiece, enabling flexible positioning and precise bending geometry creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed clamping unit and bending unit with rotary drives are used, then the bending machine can perform bending operations, but the flexibility to achieve a wide range of bends is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bending machine employs a movable bending unit that can be positioned at different locations along the workpiece, replacing fixed bending positions with dynamic, adjustable positioning. This allows the same device to perform multiple bending operations at various locations, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The bending tool is designed with universal applicability, capable of performing different bending operations (e.g., bending, flaring, crimping) on various strand-shaped workpieces. The tool can be adapted to different workpiece types and bending requirements, making the device multi-functional and highly adaptable
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional bending tools are used, then basic bending can be performed, but precise control over the bending tool for complex geometries is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the bending process in real-time, allowing precise adjustment of the bending tool's position and movement. This feedback enables accurate reproduction of complex bend geometries while maintaining ease of operation through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical control of the bending tool is replaced with an automated control system that can precisely position and maneuver the tool. This substitution of mechanical control with automated systems enables complex bending geometries to be achieved with high precision while simplifying the operator's task
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bending tool cannot be repositioned, then the structure remains simple, but the ability to handle pipes with different diameters and flexible sections is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bending tool is designed with movable and adjustable components that allow dynamic repositioning along the workpiece. This dynamic capability enables the tool to adapt to different pipe diameters and flexible sections, providing versatility without requiring multiple dedicated tools for each pipe type
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is segmented into independently controllable components, allowing the bending tool to be positioned and oriented separately in different directions. This segmentation enables flexible adaptation to various pipe configurations while keeping each individual positioning mechanism relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for bending strand-shaped workpieces are described with a holder for a strand-shaped workpiece. A bending tool comprises at least one radius part and one bending part. The workpiece can be bent by pivoting the bending part about the radius part. A workpiece drive shaft that extends at least in a longitudinal direction is provided for driving the bending tool and a positioning device for positioning the bending tool relative to the workpiece. The positioning device allows a displacement of the bending tool and the tool driveshaft in at least one transverse direction that runs transversely to the longitudinal direction. A drive wheel is rotatably arranged around an axis that is fixed relative to the workpiece and is coupled via a transmission device to drive the tool driveshaft. The transmission device has a coupling element that can move transverse to the axis of the drive wheel.