Press Brake Holding Device for Workpiece Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

In modern manufacturing, presses face challenges in ensuring reproducibility of workpieces due to variations in raw material properties, leading to inconsistent bending angles and requiring time-consuming and error-prone reworking processes.

Innovation Solution

A bending press design where the second part can be moved relative to the first part to apply a reduced holding force, allowing the workpiece to remain in position during interruptions, enabling easy checking and re-bending without slipping or falling, using resilient mounting and adjustable spring forces for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the workpiece is relieved for measurement, then the bending angle can be accurately measured, but the workpiece slips or falls out of the tool

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending angle measurementVSAvoidworkpiece position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first tool is divided into a first part (support surface) and a second part (pressing element) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the second part to maintain holding force on the workpiece while the first part can be retracted for measurement access, preventing the workpiece from slipping or falling out during relief.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second part is designed to be movable relative to the first part, transitioning between a pressing position (exerting pressing force during bending) and a holding position (exerting reduced holding force during measurement). This dynamic adjustment maintains workpiece stability while enabling accurate measurement and reworking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the workpiece is rebent to correct bending angle, then the correct bending angle can be achieved, but the workpiece positioning becomes error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending angle accuracyVSAvoidworkpiece repositioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The second part maintains a holding force on the workpiece even when the first part is retracted, keeping the workpiece in its original position during measurement and reworking. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for laborious repositioning and reduces positioning errors during subsequent bending operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the first part is fully retracted for measurement access, then measurement can be performed, but the workpiece may fall out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accessVSAvoidworkpiece retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the first tool into a stationary first part (support surface) and a movable second part (pressing element), the system allows the first part to be fully retracted for complete measurement access while the second part independently maintains holding force on the workpiece, preventing it from falling out.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design ensures the workpiece remains in place for accurate measurement and quick re-bending, reducing errors and increasing efficiency by allowing flexible operation and visual indication of holding force.

Implementation Method 1

the second part is resiliently mounted in the first part and can be displaced in a direction of movement provided for a bending process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResilient mounting: Spring

Implementation Method 2

it remains in the pressing position in order to exert a holding force on the workpiece that is reduced compared to the pressing force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2329895B1Press brake and bending tool with holding device for a workpiece
Publication Date: 2016.05.25 TRUMPF MASCHEN AUSTRIA
  • EP2329895B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2329895B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP2329895B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The press (1) has tools (2a, 3) e.g. plungers and molds, displaced against each other to apply press force on a work-piece (8), which is arranged between the tools, in a press position. Portions (2a2) of one of the tools (2a) are movable against portions (2a1, 2a3) of the other tool (3) such that the former portions remain in a press position to exert reduced retaining force on the work-piece against press force, when the latter portions are found in a resting position, or in an intermediate position that is provided between the press position and the resting position.