Multi-Axis Metal Strapping Folding for Flexible Busbar Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for bending metal strapping, particularly for busbar-type connectors in electric batteries, lack flexibility and efficiency in handling various folding directions and require complex setups, limiting production speed and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A machine with interchangeable and movable folding stations that can bend metal strapping in three directions (thickness, width, and length) using automatic and manual displacement means, allowing for flexible production and high-speed processing, and is integrated with an installation for additional operations like die cutting and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed bending machines are used for metal strapping, then the machine structure is simple, but the adaptability for different folding directions and production speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bending machine is divided into multiple independent bending stations (first bending station, second bending station, third bending station), each capable of performing bending operations in different directions. This segmentation allows the machine to handle various folding directions independently while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as each station can be optimized separately.
Solution Approach 2:
Each bending station is designed with universal capability to perform bending operations in multiple directions (thickness direction, width direction, longitudinal direction). The stations can be selectively activated based on the required folding direction, making the machine adaptable to different processing needs without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Productivity
If traditional bending machines with fixed stations are used, then the device complexity is low, but the production speed and efficiency during measure changes are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bending stations are designed to be movable rather than fixed, with displacement means enabling them to move along the strapping feed direction. This dynamic configuration allows the stations to be quickly repositioned for different bending operations, significantly improving production speed and efficiency during measure changes while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed bending stations are installed for different folding directions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bending functions for different folding directions are merged into an integrated machine system with coordinated bending stations. Rather than requiring separate machines for each folding direction, the invention combines thickness bending, width bending, and longitudinal bending capabilities in one unified system, improving flexibility while reducing overall setup complexity and space requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention allows folding in various directions, such as the thickness, width and length of the metal strapping (26). The machine (1) comprises a first frame (2), and first folding stations (3), mounted on the first frame (2) and each configured to perform folding in multiple directions, each folding station (4) comprising a multi-axis folding tool (5) and a servomotor to drive the folding tool (5). The folding tool (5) comprises a hollow outer body (6) and a movable and rotatable inner body (10), with a T-shaped recess with a horizontal slot (13) and a vertical slot (12), suited to the width and the thickness of the strapping (26). The folding tool (5) is replaceably mountable. The first folding stations (3) are movable to automatically go to the area of the strapping (26) on which they must perform the folding.