Reversible Press Brake Stopper Assembly for Precise Sliding Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers used for mixing materials like cement and grout are difficult to clean and not environmentally friendly, while conventional trowels and press brake stoppers lack versatility and precision, leading to inefficiencies in shaping and bending sheet metal.
Innovation Solution
A modular container system with interchangeable liners and stabilizing features, an adjustable trowel with adjustable blade curvature, and a retrofitable adjustable stopper assembly for press brakes that can be easily relocated and adjusted to fit various materials and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thumb screws are used to secure stoppers to press brake, then the stoppers can be attached to the press brake, but the thumb screws interfere with the aluminum piece holding the stopper and create bumps, marks or indentations over time, making the accessories hard to slide along the member and adjust precisely
Solution Approach 1:
A T-slot rail system serves as an intermediary between the stopper and the press brake. The stopper slides along the T-slot rail rather than being directly secured by thumb screws to the aluminum piece. This intermediary rail system eliminates the interference problem while maintaining secure attachment through the T-slot engagement mechanism.
2Reliability
If existing stoppers are used on press brake, then the stoppers can limit the depth of the throat, but they can only be used at a pre-set location or distance along the length of the brake and interfere with the top of the press brake extrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper system transitions from a fixed, pre-set location design to a dynamic, adjustable system. The stopper can be freely repositioned along the T-slot rail at any location desired, allowing continuous adjustment rather than discrete pre-set positions. This dynamic design provides versatility for different material lengths and bending locations.
3Ease of operation
If modular container system is used, then the container can be easily disassembled and cleaned for subsequent use, but the container requires a lining and securing mechanisms to lock the liner in place
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is segmented into two main components: the container body and the removable liner. This segmentation allows the liner to be easily removed for cleaning while the container body remains. The simplicity of this two-part design outweighs the added complexity of the securing mechanism, as it enables efficient cleaning and reuse.
4Ease of operation
If conventional trowel is used, then the trowel can apply finishes to flat surfaces, but the trowel limits the possibilities and shapes of the surfaces on which it can be used
Solution Approach 1:
The trowel blade is designed with flexible, adjustable characteristics that allow it to change shape and curvature. The blade can be bent or adjusted to match the contours of different surface shapes, transitioning from a rigid flat-surface tool to a versatile formable tool capable of working on curved and complex surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for a reversible and adjustable stopper assembly comprised of an upper frame, L-bracket, connector portion and stopping member. The stopper can be configured to be secured to at least two main types of press brakes. The stopping portion of the stopper is also reversible, allowing for less sheet metal to be inserted into the press brake, if desired. The stopper assembly can be slid in a horizontal manner, relative to the press brake to preserve the measurement of the sheet metal from one end of the press brake to the other.