Magnetic Tool Holder Coupling for Faster Press Brake Tool Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The exchange of press brake and punch tooling in machine press systems is time-consuming and cumbersome, posing safety risks due to the need for handling heavy components and the risk of tool components falling, and existing solutions like safety tangs require additional manipulations and may not be directly accessible.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic coupling assembly is used in a tool holder, comprising magnetic elements and an actuator to selectively engage and disengage the tooling, allowing for secure attachment and detachment without the need for manual handling, using permanent magnets and ferromagnetic elements to generate a magnetic flux that can be adjusted to support the weight of the tooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a clamping mechanism is used to hold tooling components, then the tooling is securely held in place, but the exchange of tooling becomes time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetooling securityVSAvoidtooling exchange time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical clamping mechanism with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic coupling assembly uses magnetic fields to hold the tooling components securely in place, eliminating the need for mechanical clamps. This allows for quick release by simply removing the magnetic field source, enabling rapid tooling exchange without the time-consuming manual operation of mechanical clamping mechanisms while maintaining secure holding during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional clamping mechanisms are used, then tooling can be secured, but safety risks increase due to heavy components and risk of falling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetooling securityVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling system replaces manual mechanical clamping operations with a field-based holding mechanism. The magnetic coupling assembly securely holds heavy tooling components without requiring manual handling or manipulation of heavy parts. The magnetic field provides consistent, reliable holding force that prevents accidental release and falling of tooling components, eliminating safety risks associated with manual operation of heavy equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If safety tangs are used to prevent tooling from falling, then safety is improved, but additional manipulations are required and accessibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety risksVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling assembly eliminates the need for safety tangs and their associated mechanical manipulation. The magnetic field provides inherent safety by maintaining a secure connection between the tooling and holder without requiring additional safety features. The tooling can be released simply by removing or deactivating the magnetic field source, providing both safety and operational simplicity without the complexity of tang-based safety mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 magnetic coupling system enables safe and efficient tooling exchange by securely holding tools in place, reducing the risk of injury and process delays, and allows for quick installation and removal of tooling components, improving operational efficiency in sheet metal fabrication and other manufacturing processes.

Implementation Method 1

one or more magnetic elements configured to generate a magnetic coupling adapted for selective engagement and disengagement of the holder with the coupling end of the machine tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

using permanent magnets and ferromagnetic elements to generate a magnetic flux that can be adjusted to support the weight of the tooling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3645186B1Magnetic press brake and machine tooling engagement systems
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 MATE PRECISION TECH INC
  • EP3645186B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3645186B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP3645186B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A machine tool apparatus for a press brake, folding press or punch press system includes a tool holder body (202) having a receiving portion configured for selective engagement with a coupling end of a machine tool (204). The apparatus also includes a magnetic coupling assembly (200) comprising one or more magnetic elements (219a, 219b, 220a, 220b) configured to generate a magnetic coupling adapted for the selective engagement of the tool holder body (202) with the coupling end of the machine tool (204). In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include an actuator (224) configured to manipulate at least one of the magnetic elements to modulate the strength of the magnetic coupling for selective engagement and disengagement of the tool holder body (202) with the coupling end of the machine tool (202).