Folding Device with Error-Free Actuation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding devices for protruding decorative layers on workpieces are mechanically complex, expensive, and prone to wear, with a high risk of malfunctions and the need for extensive adjustments with small product changes, and require comprehensive visual inspections to ensure accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using actuating cylinders with a control device to ensure error-free actuation, incorporating a marking device for verifying correct folding and potentially using sensors to detect correct actuation and a heating device for welding the decorative layer to the workpiece, reducing the need for visual inspections and allowing for flexible adaptation to product changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wedge slide mechanisms are used to actuate the folding stamp, then the folding device is mechanically reliable, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wedge slide mechanism with a control device that coordinates the actuation of multiple actuating cylinders. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages while maintaining reliable folding operation through electronic control and sensor feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses actuating cylinders (pneumatic or hydraulic) to replace the mechanical wedge slide mechanism for actuating the folding stamp. This provides a more reliable and less complex actuation system that is easier to control and adjust.
2Reliability
If wedge slide mechanisms are used to actuate the folding stamp, then the folding device is reliable, but the extent of automation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device replaces the manual adjustment and operation of wedge slide mechanisms with automated electronic control. The control device receives signals from sensors and automatically coordinates the actuating cylinders, significantly increasing the automation level while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position and status of folding stamps and workpieces, providing feedback to the control device. This closed-loop feedback system enables automated adjustment and operation, replacing manual mechanical systems with intelligent automated control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of actuating cylinders are used to actuate folding stamps, then the adaptability to product changes increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device serves multiple functions: it coordinates all actuating cylinders, processes sensor signals, determines actuation correctness, and controls the marking device. This universal control system manages the complexity of multiple cylinders through integrated electronic control rather than separate mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors provide real-time feedback on the position and status of each folding stamp and workpiece, enabling the control device to automatically coordinate multiple actuating cylinders. This feedback mechanism reduces the perceived complexity by providing intelligent coordination of multiple components.
4Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive visual checks are performed after folding, then the manufacturing precision is ensured, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors automatically detect the position and status of folding stamps and workpieces during the folding process, providing real-time feedback to the control device. This automated detection replaces manual visual inspection, ensuring manufacturing precision without reducing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding device performs self-inspection through sensors that automatically detect folding correctness and workpiece status. The system determines actuation correctness autonomously without requiring external visual inspection, maintaining both precision and productivity.
5Ease of operation
If the control device determines error-free actuation and applies a marking, then the ease of operation increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marking device applies visual marks (such as colored markings or labels) to workpieces to indicate correct folding. This provides an immediate, easily observable signal of proper operation, greatly simplifying the ease of operation despite the added control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device uses sensor feedback to automatically determine actuation correctness and triggers the marking device accordingly. This automated decision-making and marking process simplifies operation by providing clear visual confirmation without requiring complex manual inspection procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for folding over an edge of a protruding decorative layer on a workpiece, in which said workpiece is arranged, along with the protruding decorative layer, on a retainer, the advancement of a plurality of edge-folding stamps allowing the protruding decorative layer to be bent and placed against the workpiece, said edge-folding stamps being actuated by actuating cylinders controlled by a control device, and said edge-folding stamps being moved between a retracted position and an edge-folding position. In addition, error free actuation of the actuating cylinders is determined by the control device and a mark is applied onto the workpiece, by means of a marking device, when said control device determines an error-free actuation of the actuating cylinders during the edge-folding method.