Bending Tool Rail Transport for Simultaneous Press Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for loading and unloading bending tools from a bending press are time-consuming and labor-intensive, as they require individual handling and complex maneuvers, with previous solutions only allowing for the coupling and removal of one tool at a time.

Innovation Solution

A transport device with a first section that can be extended along a row of bending tools and coupled to the last tool in the row, allowing for simultaneous movement of multiple tools by reversing direction, utilizing aligned passages for guidance and a flexible tension transmission means for efficient coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual tool coupling and removal is used, then reliable tool handling is achieved, but loading and unloading time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool handling reliabilityVSAvoidloading and unloading time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The transport device is divided into a first section that extends along multiple bending tools and a second section that moves along the rail. This segmentation allows the first section to simultaneously engage multiple tools while the second section provides the driving force, enabling parallel handling of multiple tools without compromising individual tool control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple bending tools are coupled together in series along the rail to form a single transportable group. The transport device merges its first section with this series of tools, allowing simultaneous movement of multiple tools as one unit, thereby reducing the number of separate coupling and removal operations required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If complex maneuvering is performed for individual tool storage, then proper tool positioning is achieved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool positioning easeVSAvoidmaneuvering complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Bending tools are pre-positioned in the rail in a series arrangement with their passages aligned. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for complex maneuvering during the loading/unloading process, as the transport device can directly engage and move the pre-arranged series of tools without requiring complex positioning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the rail is kept clear for each loading/unloading operation, then transport device access is ensured, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport device accessVSAvoidloading and unloading efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple bending tools are combined into a single transportable series that occupies the rail simultaneously. This allows the rail to be utilized more efficiently by having multiple tools ready for transport at once, reducing the frequency of rail clearing operations and increasing overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transport device's first section continuously engages with the series of bending tools along the rail, maintaining constant contact and control. This continuous engagement allows for seamless loading and unloading operations without requiring the rail to be completely cleared and re-positioned for each individual tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Significantly reduces the effort and time required for loading and unloading multiple bending tools, enabling them to be pulled simultaneously with only one coupling, thus enhancing efficiency and reducing operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

the first section of the transport device comprises an elongated, preferably flexible, tension transmission element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP3426419B1Method for simultaneously moving at least two bending tools held in a rail of a tool holder, and bending press
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 TRUMPF MASCHEN AUSTRIA
  • EP3426419B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3426419B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3426419B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for simultaneously moving at least two bending tools (4, 5, 6) held in a rail (3) of a tool holder, said bending tools (4, 5, 6) forming a row along a rail (3), by means of a transport device (7), in particular to a method for loading a bending press (1) with bending tools (4, 5, 6) and/or for removing bending tools (4, 5, 6) from a bending press (1). In order to be able to pull the bending tools in a row as one and thereby to reduce the effort, the transport device (7) is moved up to the first bending tool (4) in the row in a first direction (11) along the rail (3) and a first portion (8) of the transport device (7) is arranged in a manner extending as far as the last bending tool (6) in the row and coupled to the last bending tool (6) in the row, and the transport device (7) is moved with the row of bending tools (4, 5, 6) in the opposite direction (12) to the first direction (11).