Bending Machine Operating Unit Positioning With Autonomous Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for positioning operating devices relative to bending machines are limited in spatial flexibility and require manual adjustment, occupying the operator's hands and restricting movement.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a communication interface to determine the optimal target position for an operating device based on the current work program, allowing autonomous movement along a calculated path while avoiding collisions, with a sensor unit to adjust the path as needed, enabling the device to be positioned at a distance from the machine frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of the operating device is used, then the operator can position the device, but the operator's hands are occupied and movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The operating device autonomously positions itself using an autonomous travel drive system. The device receives target position coordinates from the bending machine control unit and automatically navigates to that position without requiring manual handling, thereby freeing the operator's hands while maintaining positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated system combining communication interfaces, control units, and an autonomous travel drive. The positioning is achieved through electronic coordinate transmission and automated navigation rather than manual mechanical adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed guide arrangement is used for foot switch movement, then positioning is constrained to straight lines, but spatial flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The operating device transitions from static fixed positioning to dynamic autonomous movement. The device can automatically navigate to different target positions within the work surface based on the bending process requirements, providing spatial flexibility while maintaining positioning accuracy through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent expands positioning from one-dimensional straight-line movement along fixed guides to two-dimensional autonomous navigation across the work surface. The device can move freely in multiple directions to reach optimal positions relative to the bending machine and operator.
3Productivity
If autonomous movement is implemented, then operator hands are freed, but collision detection and path correction are required
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous travel drive incorporates sensor units that continuously monitor the environment and provide feedback to the control unit. When obstacles are detected, the system receives correction commands and automatically adjusts its path while maintaining autonomous operation, enabling safe automated movement without increasing overall system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If operating device is positioned at distance from machine frame, then user-friendliness increases, but positioning precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The bending machine control unit transmits target position coordinates (digital copies of desired location) to the operating device. This allows precise positioning at arbitrary distances from the machine frame by communicating numerical position data rather than requiring physical mechanical connection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for positioning an operating apparatus (28) in respect of a bending machine (3) of a production line (1) for bending sheet metal. A work surface (39) having specified boundaries is defined for the operating apparatus (28), within which work surface the operating apparatus (28) can be relocated. A target position is transmitted to an operating-control unit (35) via a first communication interface (33) and a current actual position of the operating apparatus (28) is determined. In addition, a target travel path (40) between the positions is determined and a generated travel command is transmitted to a travel drive (36). The operating apparatus (28) is automatically and autonomously relocated along the target travel path (40) and parked positioned at the target position.