Extendable Tool Magazine Rails for Ergonomic Press Brake Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool magazines for bending machines have complex structures, leading to errors and inefficiencies in tool accessibility and ergonomics.
Innovation Solution
A tool magazine design featuring extendable storage rails with a drawer concept, allowing individual and independent access to bending tools, and incorporating a telescopic rail system for easy tool retrieval, with optional height adjustment and locking mechanisms to enhance ergonomics and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a complex tool storage structure is used, then tool capacity and organization are improved, but the structure becomes prone to errors and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The tool magazine is segmented into multiple independent storage rails that can be individually accessed. Each storage rail functions as an independent unit, allowing operators to access specific tools without manipulating the entire structure, thereby maintaining high tool capacity while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Storage rails are arranged vertically in multiple levels within the magazine housing. This vertical arrangement maximizes tool storage capacity in a compact footprint while allowing front-side access to all rails, eliminating the complexity of lateral or top-down access mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If storage rails are extended from the front of the magazine housing, then accessibility to bending tools is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Storage rails are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be extended from the front of the magazine housing for tool access and retracted when not in use. This dynamic design improves accessibility while the simple linear movement mechanism avoids complex actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage rails are designed to be manually extendable and retractable by operators without requiring powered actuators or complex mechanical systems. The rails self-support their own weight and the tools they carry during extension, eliminating the need for motors, hydraulics, or pneumatic systems.
3Device complexity
If multiple bending tools are accommodated on a single storage rail, then the number of storage rails is reduced, but the mass to be moved increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool storage system is divided into multiple lightweight storage rails rather than using fewer heavy rails. Each rail is designed to carry a manageable subset of tools, distributing the total weight across multiple independent components that can be moved separately with minimal effort.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging storage rails vertically in multiple levels, the system accommodates many bending tools across different heights rather than horizontally on fewer long rails. This vertical stacking reduces the length and mass of each individual rail while maintaining high overall tool capacity.
4Area of stationary object
If the tool magazine width is reduced, then the height can be increased for storage capacity, but accessibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tool magazine utilizes vertical space by arranging storage rails in multiple levels from bottom to top. This vertical organization increases storage capacity without expanding the horizontal footprint, while all rails remain accessible from the front, maintaining ease of operation despite the compact width.
Solution Approach 2:
All storage rails are designed to extend from the front of the magazine housing, ensuring that tools on any vertical level are equally accessible. This uniform front-side access mechanism maintains operational ease regardless of the magazine's narrow width or increased height.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tool magazine (26) for a bending machine (3), in particular for a press brake, wherein the tool magazine (26) has a plurality of storage rails (28), which are arranged in a magazine housing (27) and serve to hold bending tools (4), wherein the storage rails (28) are designed in such a way that a plurality of bending tools (4) can fit lined up one behind the other in the longitudinal extent (30) of the storage rails. The storage rails (28) can be pulled out from a front side (29) of the magazine housing (27) in the direction of the longitudinal extent (30) of the storage rails.