Press Tool Wedge Locking for Faster Panel Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel bending machines require manual locking of lateral press tools, leading to fixation faults, production failures, time losses, and labor inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A bending machine press group with an automatic locking mechanism using a wedge system, where the second wedge is driven by a motor to compress and fix the press elements, and then release them automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual locking mechanism is used for press tools, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and reliability worsens due to operator-dependent fixation faults
Solution Approach 1:
The press tool locking mechanism automatically locks and unlocks press tools without operator intervention. The system uses a motor-driven wedge that self-actuates to compress and lock the press tool in the guide, then releases it automatically after the bending operation, eliminating manual locking steps and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical locking operation is replaced with an automated motor-driven wedge mechanism. The motor converts rotational motion to linear motion of the wedge, which then provides automatic mechanical locking through compression, substituting human labor with automated mechanical systems
2Loss of time
If manual fixation is used by operator, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time increases due to manual locking and unlocking processes
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is activated in advance of the bending operation. The motor-driven wedge automatically positions and compresses the press tool into the guide before the bending cycle begins, ensuring the tool is pre-locked and ready for immediate operation, thus eliminating time losses during the bending process
3Reliability
If manual locking is used, then device complexity is low, but reliability decreases due to fixation faults and production failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the position and locking status of the press tool. This feedback is sent to the control unit, which monitors whether the press tool is properly locked before allowing the bending operation to proceed, ensuring reliable fixation and preventing production failures
Solution Approach 2:
The unreliable manual locking process is replaced with a consistent motor-driven wedge mechanism that applies uniform compression force. This automated mechanical system eliminates human error in locking, providing reliable and repeatable fixation for each bending operation
4Productivity
If automatic wedge mechanism is used, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and unlocking functions are merged into a single motor-driven wedge mechanism. The same wedge that locks the press tool by compression also unlocks it by reversing direction, combining multiple functions into one integrated component to minimize overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-driven wedge serves multiple functions: it locks the press tool, holds it during bending, and unlocks it for tool changes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate locking and unlocking mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while enabling automatic operation and high productivity
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 automatic fixation and release of press elements significantly reduce bending and operation durations, prevent erroneous production, and save time and labor.
Implementation Method 1
A bending machine press group with an automatic locking mechanism using a wedge system, where the second wedge is driven by a motor to compress and fix the press elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention is a bending machine press group (1) having at least one press element (4) for bending a work piece and at least one guide (3) whereon said press element (4) is positioned. The improvement of the present invention is that the subject matter bending machine press group (1) comprises at least one first wedge (31) which extends in the direction of the axis of said guide (3) and which has a form narrowing at a predetermined angle, at least one second wedge (32) provided essentially in the vicinity of said first wedge (31) and which has a form widening at an angle which is essentially equal to the narrowing angle of the first wedge (31), and at least one drive unit (5) which is connected to and which moves said second wedge (32) essentially in the direction of the axis of the guide (3).