Press Brake Tool Loading Guides for Simultaneous Tool Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet metal bending and processing systems require machine downtime for manual or robotic extraction and reloading of tools, disrupting continuous production.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for loading tools into a press, featuring parallel lower and upper guides that can be translated and aligned with transfer guides, allowing for simultaneous extraction and reloading of tools in a single operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If tools are loaded and extracted manually or by a single robot, then the operation is simple to perform, but the machine must be stopped for the entire loading/unloading cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device is segmented into multiple independent guides (first lower guide, second lower guide, first upper guide, second upper guide) that can operate simultaneously. Each guide can be independently positioned and loaded, allowing parallel operations that reduce total machine downtime while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables preliminary loading of tools onto the second lower guide and first upper guide while the press is still operating. This preliminary action prepares tools in advance so that when the first lower guide and second upper guide are exchanged with the press, the new tools are already in position, eliminating idle time and reducing overall machine downtime.
2Productivity
If tools are extracted and reloaded in separate operations, then the process is easier to control, but the total loading time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the extraction and loading operations into a single integrated process. While tools are being extracted from the press via the first lower guide, new tools are simultaneously loaded onto the second lower guide and first upper guide. These operations are then combined in a single exchange action, reducing total loading time while the unified device structure maintains operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by enabling simultaneous extraction and loading operations. The press continues to operate while tools are being prepared on the second lower guide, and the exchange operation connects these continuous actions without interruption, eliminating idle time and improving productivity.
3Productivity
If multiple guides are used for simultaneous loading, then machine downtime is reduced, but the alignment and positioning precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses transfer guides as intermediary elements between the loading guides and the press guides. The transfer guides facilitate precise alignment and positioning during the tool exchange process, ensuring that tools are accurately transferred from the loading guides to the press guides while maintaining manufacturing precision despite the complexity of multiple moving components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is a device (1) for loading bending tools (110, 210, 310, 410) on a press (P), comprising: a first lower guide and a second lower guide (100) oriented according to a first direction (X); a first upper guide and a second upper guide (300) oriented according to said first direction (X); means for selectively translating said guides (100, 200, 300, 400) in directions (Z, Y) which are orthogonal to said first direction (X), and wherein said lower guides (100, 200) and upper guides (300, 400) are configured in such a way that one or more tools or dies (110, 210, 210', 310, 410) can be slidably assembled thereon.