Calibration Tool for Bending Die Angle Measuring Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing calibration process for bending angle measuring tools in press brakes is time-consuming and inefficient, requiring re-equipment of the lower press bar for each calibration, especially when different bending tools are used, leading to significant loss of time and potential inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A calibration tool with symmetrically arranged calibration surfaces and contact surfaces is designed to be easily positioned relative to the bending punch, allowing for manual or automated guidance, eliminating the need to re-equip the lower press bar, and enabling calibration during ongoing bending processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the calibration tool is manually positioned using contact surfaces, then the ease of operation is improved, but the positioning precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a manipulation device as an intermediary between the operator and the calibration tool. This device includes a gripping element that engages with a receptacle on the calibration tool, enabling precise positioning through automated or semi-automated means while maintaining ease of operation. The intermediary mechanism translates manual control into accurate positioning without requiring direct manual handling of the calibration surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct manual mechanical positioning with a manipulation device that can provide more precise control. The device may incorporate mechanical guides, alignment features, or controlled movement mechanisms that substitute for purely manual positioning, thereby achieving both ease of operation and high positioning precision.
2Measurement precision
If the calibration process is performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary positioning features on the calibration tool, including specific contact surfaces and alignment elements, that allow the tool to be quickly and accurately positioned without requiring time-consuming adjustment procedures. The pre-designed geometric features enable rapid alignment, making frequent calibration practical and efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the calibration process to be performed rapidly by skipping unnecessary intermediate steps. The direct contact between the calibration surfaces and the angle measuring tool, combined with the manipulation device for precise positioning, allows the calibration to be completed in minimal time, facilitating frequent calibration without significant production downtime.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lower press bar is re-equipped for each calibration, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and setup time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the calibration tool with universal features that allow it to be used with different bending tools and configurations. The manipulation device and contact surfaces are designed to accommodate various tool types without requiring changes to the lower press bar or tooling, thereby providing adaptability while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the calibration functionality from the lower press bar setup and consolidates it into a separate, dedicated calibration tool. This extraction eliminates the need to re-equip the lower press bar for each calibration, as all calibration features are integrated into the removable calibration tool itself, reducing setup complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a calibration tool (20) for calibrating an angle measuring tool (19) integrated in a bending die (7) of a press brake (2), comprising a calibration tool body (21), on which a first calibration face (22) and a second calibration face (23) are formed at a reference angle (24) to one another. Formed on the calibration tool body (21) is a first abutment face (26) which is able to be brought into contact with an abutment face (29) of the bending die (7), with the result that the position of the calibration tool (20) relative to the bending die (7) is definable. The calibration faces (22, 23) are arranged on the calibration tool body (21) such that when the first abutment face (26) comes into contact with the abutment face (29) of the bending die (7), a plane of symmetry (25) included between the calibration faces (22, 23) is congruent with a virtual working plane (48) of the bending die (7), such that the angle measuring tool (19) is able to be calibrated to the reference angle (24) by means of the calibration faces (22, 23).