Press Brake Tool Storage with Rotating Transfer for Compact Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bending tool storage systems require significant space and constructional effort, with low storage density and high manufacturing costs, and are inefficient in loading and changing tools for bending presses.

Innovation Solution

A compact bending tool storage device featuring a rotating installation that tilts bending tools towards the supply path, optimizing space usage and automating the loading process through a combination of transfer devices and tool guides, allowing for efficient orientation and ordering of tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a ring-shaped tool storage is used, then tool storage capability is improved, but space requirement increases and constructional effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool storage capabilityVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into multiple independent storage modules arranged in a linear sequence rather than a ring structure. Each module can store tools independently, and the linear arrangement reduces the overall space footprint compared to a circular configuration while maintaining equivalent storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional ring-shaped storage to a three-dimensional linear arrangement with vertical stacking. Tools are stored in multiple levels along a linear path, utilizing vertical space to increase storage density without expanding the horizontal footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a ring-shaped tool storage rotatable as a whole is used, then tool access is improved, but drive complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool accessVSAvoiddrive complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating the entire ring-shaped storage structure, the patent segments the system into a linear array of storage modules. Tool access is achieved by moving individual modules or small groups along the linear path to the dispensing position, eliminating the need for a complex rotational drive mechanism for the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage system transitions from a static ring structure requiring rotational movement to a dynamic linear arrangement where modules can be individually positioned along the supply path. This allows flexible tool access without requiring the entire structure to rotate, reducing drive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If all storage locations rotate with every changing operation, then tool orientation is maintained, but energy consumption increases and time loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool orientationVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the rotation function from the entire storage system and applies it only to individual tool modules when needed. Instead of rotating all storage locations during each tool change, only the specific module requiring orientation adjustment is rotated, significantly reducing energy consumption and operation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of performing full rotation of all storage locations with every tool change, the system applies partial rotation only to the necessary module. This selective approach maintains proper tool orientation while minimizing the energy and time required for the operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Stability of the object's composition

If forming tools are moved when not needed, then storage locations are kept organized, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage organizationVSAvoidloading speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is designed so that tool modules maintain their own orientation and position without requiring continuous movement or repositioning. The linear arrangement with fixed orientations allows tools to remain in place until needed, eliminating unnecessary movements that would reduce productivity while maintaining organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution significantly increases storage density, reduces manufacturing costs, and speeds up the loading and changing of bending tools, enhancing the efficiency of bending press operations.

Implementation Method 1

a rotating installation (7) for rotating the bending tools (2) between the transfer point (6) and the supply path (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentUS11717871B2Bending tool storage device and method for feeding a press brake
Publication Date: 2023.08.08 TRUMPF MASCHEN AUSTRIA
  • US11717871B2 patent drawing
  • US11717871B2 patent drawing
  • US11717871B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a bending tool storage device (1) for storing bending tools (2), comprising:a preferably shelf-type rack (3) on which a plurality of storage locations (4) for bending tools (2) are arranged,at least one supply path (10), preferably in the form of a tool guide (11), for issuing and/or retrieving bending tools (2), andat least one first transfer device (5) for transferring bending tools (2) between the storage locations (4) and a transfer point (6),characterized in that the bending tool storage device (1) comprises, between the transfer point (6) and the supply path (10), a rotating installation (7) for rotating the bending tools (2).