Flexible Safety Mounting for Sheet Metal Bending Presses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety systems in manufacturing plants for sheet metal bending or embossing are rigid, leading to potential damage and injury during collisions between transmitting and detection devices and the press beam, as they transmit significant pressure forces to body parts.
Innovation Solution
A safety system with a flexible holding element and an adjusting disk that allows for secure positioning and adjustable monitoring, preventing compressive forces from being transmitted during collisions, and enabling adaptation to changing tool geometries through a combination of a counterweight body or elastic tension element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid fastening device is used to securely hold the transmitting device and detection device, then the positioning stability is improved, but the risk of injury and damage increases due to transmitted pressure forces during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible holding element (seil, cable, or strap) to suspend the transmitting device and detection device from the upper press beam. This flexible element absorbs collision forces through elastic deformation and redirecting the force along its length, preventing rigid transmission of compressive forces to body parts while maintaining secure positioning during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible holding element acts as a pre-configured cushioning mechanism that becomes active during collision. The element's inherent flexibility and the ability to pre-tension it create a cushioning effect that absorbs impact energy before it can be transmitted to the operator's body, thereby reducing injury risk.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid fastening device is used to securely hold the transmitting device and detection device, then the positioning stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic suspension system where the flexible holding element can be adjusted in length and tension. The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic flexible connection that can adapt to different positioning requirements while maintaining stability, thereby reducing the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the fastening system by using a flexible element with adjustable length and tension characteristics. This allows the same simple flexible element structure to provide stable positioning across different operational requirements, eliminating the need for multiple complex rigid fastening mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible holding element is used to prevent injury during collision, then the safety is improved, but the positioning precision decreases due to potential movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-tensioning the flexible holding element and positioning it to provide both safety and precision. The element is initially configured with appropriate tension to prevent excessive movement during operation, thereby maintaining positioning precision while retaining the safety benefits of flexibility during collision.
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
The system effectively prevents injuries by absorbing and redirecting forces, ensuring the safety device is securely positioned and adjustable, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the risk of mechanical clamping or slipping.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic tension element (38) held stationary at an anchor point
Implementation Method 2
a counterweight body (40) held stationary at an anchor point
Implementation Method 3
the at least one holding element is designed to be flexible and elongated... the at least one holding element is deflected or deflected on the adjusting disk
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a safety system (28) for a sheet metal bending production plant (1). The safety system (28) comprises a transmitter (29), a detection device (30), and a mounting unit (31) with a mounting device (32) for each of the transmitter (29) and detection device (30). The mounting device (32) comprises a flexible and elongated retaining element (33), a rotatable actuating disc (36), and a counterweight body (40) or an elastic tension element (38). A first end region (34) of the retaining element (33) is connected to the transmitter (29) or the detection device (30), and a second end region (35) is connected either to the counterweight body (40) or the tension element (38). The invention further comprises a production plant (1) with such a safety system (28).