Press Brake Position Measurement with Deformation-Decoupled Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bending machines face challenges in maintaining angular accuracy due to deformations caused by forces and thermal changes, which affect the position measuring system and result in measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
A bending machine design that incorporates a position measuring system with a connecting element resistant to deformation in the direction of the primary axis, while being elastic in the width and depth directions, effectively decouples deformations from the position measuring system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the position measuring system is rigidly connected to the upper beam, then the measurement structure is stable, but deformations from forces and thermal expansion cause measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting element with differential elasticity is introduced as an intermediary between the upper beam and the position measuring system. This connecting element has high elasticity in directions perpendicular to the primary axis (width and depth directions) to absorb deformations, while maintaining low elasticity (high rigidity) in the primary axis direction to preserve measurement accuracy. The connecting element selectively transmits only the relevant positional information while filtering out harmful deformations.
2Measurement precision
If joints and spherical bearings are used to decouple the position measuring system, then deformations are reduced, but play in the connections cannot be avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic properties of the connecting element are precisely controlled by adjusting its geometric parameters (dimensions, shape) and material properties. The connecting element is designed with specific elasticity values in different directions: high elasticity in width and depth directions to accommodate deformations, and low elasticity in the primary axis direction to maintain measurement precision. This parameter optimization eliminates the need for traditional joints with play, providing both precision and reliability.
3Measurement precision
If the position measuring system is made robust against deformations, then measurement accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed as a flexible component with anisotropic elastic properties, resembling a smart spring structure. Instead of using complex rigid connection mechanisms with multiple adjustment components, the solution employs a single elastic element whose directional flexibility is achieved through clever geometric design and material selection. This simplifies the overall structure while achieving the desired deformation decoupling and measurement precision.
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 significantly improves the robustness and accuracy of the position measuring system by isolating deformations, ensuring precise measurement and reduced machine downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting element which is resistant to deformation in the direction of the primary axis and which is designed to be elastic in the width direction and/or a depth direction
Data Source
AI summary
A bending machine includes an upper beam that is movable in the direction of a primary axis (y) of the bending machine relative to a lower beam to form a workpiece which can be inserted between the upper beam and the lower beam via a front side. A position measuring system for measuring and monitoring a respective position of the upper beam with respect to a reference position is provided. The position measuring system is configured such that a linearly movable measuring unit follows a movement of the upper beam in the direction of the primary axis (y) and moves along a stationary linear element. The linearly movable measuring unit is held on the upper beam by a connecting element that is resistant to deformation in the direction of the primary axis (y), and configured to be elastic in the width direction (z) and/or a depth direction (x).