Modular Press Brake Display Layout for Clearance-Free Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional positioning systems for press brakes lack the ability to provide quantitative and qualitative information, limiting their functionality and often cause clearance issues during machining operations due to their size and design.

Innovation Solution

A modular, compact position, information, and interactive display device (PIIDD) is introduced, which can be selectively positioned on press brakes to provide quantitative and qualitative information through touch screen displays, allowing for the exhibition of tool setups and deforming operations, and can be repositioned to avoid clearance issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional positioning systems (LED strips, rulers/scales) are used to indicate tool positions on press brakes, then positioning information is provided to operators, but the systems occupy considerable space and cause clearance issues during machining operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning informationVSAvoidspace occupied by positioning system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses cameras to capture optical images of the press brake tables and tool positions, then displays these images on monitors. This creates a visual copy of the physical space, allowing operators to view positioning information without the need for physical positioning systems occupying space on the press brake tables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces cameras and computer displays as intermediary devices between the physical press brake and the operator. Instead of placing positioning markers directly on the press brake tables, the system uses cameras to detect positions and displays them on monitors, mediating the information transfer without occupying physical space on the machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If positioning systems are mounted on press brake tables to provide continuous visual feedback, then operator awareness of tool positions is improved, but the systems interfere with the press brake operation and create clearance problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator awarenessVSAvoidinterference with machining operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates visual copies of the press brake tables and tool positions through camera imaging and display screens. Operators gain awareness of tool positions by viewing these digital representations rather than through physical markers on the tables, eliminating interference with machining operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical positioning systems (physical rulers, LED strips mounted on tables) with an optical-electronic system using cameras and computer displays. This substitution eliminates the mechanical interference caused by physical positioning components while maintaining operator awareness.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If detailed information about tool setups and operations is provided through conventional console displays, then operational precision is improved, but operators must frequently check the console, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational precisionVSAvoidoperator efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the information display from a two-dimensional console screen to large-format monitors positioned in the operator's field of view. By changing the spatial dimension and proximity of the display, operators can see detailed tool setup and operation information without leaving their work position, maintaining precision while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-positions detailed operation information on large monitors within the operator's immediate view. Tool setups, positions, and parameters are displayed in advance and continuously visible, eliminating the need for operators to repeatedly check the console during operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4427862A1Display device for punching or pressing machines
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 WILSON TOOL INT INC
  • EP4427862A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4427862A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4427862A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A display device for punching and/or pressing machines. The display device can be constructed to be modular and of compact size so as to be positioned as desired on new and existing machine designs. The display device is formed with displays, which are configurable to provide a plurality of qualitative and quantitative information. The display device can be configured to be function with consoles of punching and pressing machines so as to be one or more of a supplemental device, an interfacing device, and an interactive device.