Press Brake Safety Sensor Adjustment With Synchronous Cable Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety systems for bending machines require separate mechanics for adjusting the height of transmitters and receivers, leading to complexity and space inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A safety system with a flexible tractive force transmission means and a common coupling section for synchronous height adjustment of transmitters and receivers, utilizing a tension-proof adjusting element with a handle for manual adjustment, ensuring space-saving and convenient positioning without endangering operators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate mechanics are used for adjusting the height of transmitter and receiver, then each functional element can be adjusted independently, but the device complexity increases and more space is required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent adjustment capabilityVSAvoidSeparate mechanics for each element
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the adjustment mechanisms of the transmitter and receiver into a single common coupling section. Both functional elements are connected to this shared coupling section, which allows synchronous height adjustment of both elements simultaneously, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adjustment capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common coupling section serves multiple functions: it acts as the adjustment mechanism for both the transmitter and receiver, and it functions as the connection point for both flexible tractive force transmission means. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanics for each element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If separate mechanics are used for adjusting transmitter and receiver height, then individual positioning is possible, but the space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndividual positioning capabilityVSAvoidSpace for adjustment mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the adjustment mechanisms into a single common coupling section, the patent significantly reduces the space required for adjustment mechanisms. The coupled arrangement allows both transmitter and receiver to be positioned independently through their respective flexible transmissions while sharing the same adjustment origin point

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a complex linkage arrangement is used for synchronous height adjustment, then synchronous adjustment is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSynchronous adjustment capabilityVSAvoidComplex linkage arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex rigid linkage arrangements with flexible tractive force transmission means (such as cables or belts). This substitution maintains the synchronous adjustment capability while dramatically simplifying the mechanical structure, reducing bulk, and improving ease of manufacture

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the mechanical parameter of rigidity to flexibility by using flexible tractive force transmission means instead of rigid linkages. This allows the system to achieve synchronous movement through tension transmission rather than rigid mechanical coupling, simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 simple, space-saving, and safe synchronous adjustment of transmitters and receivers, reducing the risk of operator injury and eliminating interference contours during machine operation.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible tractive force transmission means (16) connecting the first functional element (13a) and the further functional element (13b) to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTractive force transmission: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP4337396B1Bending machine, in particular a press brake, with a safety system
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 BYSTRONIC LASER AG
  • EP4337396B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4337396B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4337396B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a bending machine, in particular a press brake, having an upper beam (7) and a lower beam (9), wherein the upper beam (7) is movable in a working direction (z) of the bending machine (1) in order to form a workpiece by bending along a bending line, which extends in a width direction (y) of the bending machine (1), wherein the bending machine (1) includes a safety system (12) having a first functional element (13a) and a further functional element (13b) for monitoring a safety area between both functional elements (13a, 13b) and between the upper beam (7) and the lower beam (9), wherein the safety system (12) is arranged to follow the movement of the upper beam (7) in the working direction (z). The first functional element (13a) and the further functional element (13b) are mechanically connected to one another via a flexible tractive force transmission means (16) and an adjustment device (17) for changing the position of the functional elements (13a, 13b), wherein the adjustment device (17) includes a coupling section (23) movably guided in the working direction, coupled to the tractive force transmission means (16) in order to convert a movement of the coupling section (23) into a movement of the flexible tractive force transmission means (16), which causes a path-identical change in position of the functional elements (13a, 13b) in the working direction (z) relative to the upper beam (7).