Folding Head Measurement Using a Reference Step for Fold Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current folding devices lack effective documentation and continuous improvement mechanisms for the folding process, which hampers the quality of the fold created.
Innovation Solution
A folding and measuring device equipped with a manipulator arm, a folding head, a counter-folding element designed as a folding bed, and a non-contact optical geometry sensor that records the fold's dimensions relative to a reference area, allowing for precise documentation and real-time adjustment of the folding path to match target profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a folding device is used without documentation capability, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and quality control of the fold deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by equipping the folding device with a sensor device that detects the actual position of the folding device and the component during the folding process. The control system uses this detected information to compare actual fold results with target profiles and automatically adjusts folding parameters to correct deviations, ensuring consistent high-quality folds without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual measurement and quality assessment methods with automated optical or electromagnetic sensor systems. These non-contact measuring transducers automatically detect fold geometry and position, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement apparatus while improving measurement accuracy and enabling real-time quality control
2Measurement precision
If no measurement system is integrated, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and process documentation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs non-contact optical or electromagnetic sensor devices to detect fold position and geometry, replacing complex mechanical measurement systems. These sensors provide precise measurement data without physical contact with the workpiece, enabling accurate process documentation and real-time quality control while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device creates digital copies or representations of the actual fold geometry and position during the folding process. This digital information is processed by the control system to compare with target profiles and generate correction signals, enabling precise measurement and control without requiring complex physical measurement apparatus
3Manufacturing precision
If continuous process documentation is implemented, then the manufacturing precision and quality improvement are enhanced, but the loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous process documentation by detecting the actual position and fold geometry throughout the entire folding process, not just at discrete intervals. The control system continuously processes this data and makes real-time adjustments, ensuring consistent quality without requiring stopping or batch processing, thereby minimizing time loss while maintaining high manufacturing precision
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
Enables accurate documentation of the folding process, continuous improvement of fold quality, and rational production by comparing actual and target profiles, ensuring consistent and high-quality folding results.
Implementation Method 1
The non-contact measuring device (8), in particular an optical geometry sensor (9)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a folding and measuring device (1) for folding and measuring a workpiece (W), wherein the folding and measuring device (1) comprises a manipulator (2) with a manipulator arm (3), a folding head (4) arranged on the manipulator arm (3) with a folding roller (5) and a counter-folding element (6), wherein the folding and measuring device (1) comprises a non-contact measuring device (8), wherein the counter-folding element (6) comprises a support surface (10) on which the workpiece (W) rests during folding. In this case, the counter-folding element (6) comprises a reference area (11), wherein the reference area (11) is arranged around the support surface (10) and forms a circumferential step (12), and wherein the non-contact measuring device (8) is oriented such that, when the folding roll (5) rolls down on the workpiece (W), it detects both a folded section (16) produced directly by the folding roll (5) and the reference area (11).(Figure 1).