Bending Tool Storage Rack With Form-Fitting Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool storage systems for bending tools face challenges in achieving high packing density while ensuring easy and safe access to each tool, particularly during automated handling, which limits the number of tools that can be stored and requires frequent manual interventions.
Innovation Solution
The tool storage system incorporates a separately designed holder section on bending tools that interacts with the holding means of a tool storage unit, featuring a gripping section and holding section arrangement to facilitate secure, form-fitting storage and retrieval, allowing for variable tool arrangements and increased accessibility without sacrificing space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bending tools are stored in traditional tool holders arranged in a row vertically, then good automated access to each tool is achieved, but the tool packing density is limited due to the longitudinal extent of the tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from storing tools in a single vertical row to a multi-level rack system with multiple rows arranged in groups. Tools are distributed across different vertical levels and horizontal rows, utilizing three-dimensional space more effectively. This dimensional expansion allows significantly higher tool capacity while maintaining automated accessibility through the handling device's ability to reach multiple positions.
2Productivity
If a large number of bending tools are stored in the tool storage, then the need for manual interventions is minimized, but the arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal holding means with standardized receiving contours that can accommodate different bending tool types. The handling device is designed with universal gripping capabilities to manipulate various tools. This standardization allows a large variety of tools to be stored and managed automatically without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same basic mechanisms handle different tool types.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool storage is divided into multiple independent groups, each containing several rows arranged at different vertical levels. Each group can be independently managed and accessed. This segmentation allows the handling device to service multiple organized sections systematically, reducing the complexity of managing a large number of tools by breaking them into manageable, structured units.
3Quantity of substance
If the tool storage unit is designed to maximize space utilization, then the number of stored tools increases, but the accessibility of individual tools may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By organizing tools across multiple vertical levels and horizontal rows in a three-dimensional rack structure, the system maximizes space utilization while maintaining accessibility. The handling device can reach tools at different heights and positions through coordinated movement, ensuring that high-density storage does not compromise the ability to access individual tools automatically.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tool storage system (1) which comprises at least one shelf-like tool storage unit (2) and bending tools (3) to be stored therein. The bending tools (3) have a fastening portion (4) for fastening in a bending machine, and a functional portion (5) for working workpieces. Multiple holding rails (7) extending parallel to each other and in particular horizontally, and having holding means (10) for directly or indirectly holding the bending tools (3), are arranged in the tool storage unit (2), wherein in addition to the fastening portion (4) the bending tools have at least one holding portion (12) and the holding means (10) are designed to cooperate with the holding portions (12).