Press Brake Bending Tool With Optical Angle and Springback Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bending tools face challenges in maintaining the desired bending angle due to fluctuations in sheet metal material properties, leading to deviations in bending geometry and springback, and existing measuring devices often require contact, are not adaptable to different presses, and can only determine the bending angle after the process is completed.
Innovation Solution
A bending tool with a built-in bending geometry measuring device that uses a light pattern emission device with a beam splitter to project a light pattern onto both sides of the sheet metal, and an image capturing device to record the deformation, allowing for real-time determination of the bending geometry and springback, integrated with an evaluation unit for control adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact-based bending angle measuring devices are used, then the bending angle can be determined, but the measuring device may be damaged and can only determine the angle after the process is completed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to measure bending angle without physical contact. The light pattern is projected onto the workpiece surface, and its deformation is captured by the imaging device, allowing angle measurement while avoiding damage to the measuring device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement systems with an optical measurement system. Instead of using physical probes or gauges that touch the workpiece, the system uses light projection and imaging to determine bending geometry, eliminating mechanical wear and damage risks.
2Measurement precision
If specialized bending angle measuring devices are used, then accurate measurement can be achieved, but significant conversion effort is required and they are not adaptable to different bending presses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measuring device that can be used on different bending presses and for different workpieces. The optical system with light projection and imaging captures bending geometry through non-contact means, making it adaptable to various pressing forces, speeds, and workpiece types without requiring device conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical contact-based measurement with optical measurement, the system becomes universally applicable across different bending presses. The light-based measurement is not constrained by mechanical coupling requirements, allowing easy adaptation to various pressing mechanisms and workpiece geometries.
3Productivity
If real-time bending geometry determination is implemented, then the bending process can be controlled and corrected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light patterns as intermediaries to convey bending geometry information. By projecting structured light onto the workpiece and capturing its deformation, the system obtains real-time measurement data without complex mechanical sensors, achieving real-time control with relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or image of the workpiece surface deformation. The imaging device captures the light pattern distortion, which is a visual copy of the bending geometry, allowing real-time analysis and control without physically touching or complicating the measurement 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
Enables precise determination and correction of bending geometry and springback during the bending process without contact or significant modifications to the bending machine, ensuring high surface quality and adaptability across different bending presses.
Implementation Method 1
a light pattern emitting device with a beam splitter, which is arranged in an outlet arranged in the area of the working edge, for emitting a light pattern on both sides of the working edge onto a surface of a sheet metal part to be formed
Implementation Method 2
a light pattern emitting device with a beam splitter, which is arranged in an outlet arranged in the area of the working edge, for emitting a light pattern on both sides of the working edge
Implementation Method 3
an image capturing device, which is designed to capture a projection of the light pattern onto a surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a bending tool (1) which comprises a bending geometry measurement device and is part of a bending tool arrangement (2) for use in a press brake. The bending tool (1) has a tool body (4) with a longitudinal direction; an operating edge (6) is formed so as to run parallel to the longitudinal direction; the operating edge (6) and an operating direction running perpendicular to the operating edge (6) define a bending plane. A light pattern emission device (13) for emitting a light pattern (26), as well as at least one image capturing device (14) for capturing a projection of the light pattern (26) onto a surface (20) are arranged in an end region (12) of the tool body (4).