Rack-and-Pinion Pressing Tool Actuation for Bent Edge Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial machines for bending flat metal elements face challenges in accommodating already bent edges, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in further bending operations due to complex and voluminous actuating devices within the upper sheet-pressing tools, which restrict the machine's ability to handle various types of bent metal elements and require extensive operator intervention.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rack and pinion gear unit within the contractible elements of the upper sheet-pressing tools allows for the movement of components relative to each other, enabling the device to contract and expand, thus accommodating bent edges and simplifying handling operations by automating component alignment and reducing operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex actuating devices are used in known contractible elements to enable extension and contraction for accommodating bent edges, then the ability to handle already bent edges is improved, but the volume and complexity of the upper sheet-pressing tools increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The upper sheet-pressing tool is divided into modular elements that can be selectively positioned. Instead of a single complex actuating device, multiple simpler modular elements are used, each capable of independent positioning, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet-pressing tool incorporates dynamically adjustable modular elements that can be repositioned during operation. This allows the tool to adapt to different bending scenarios (including already bent edges) without requiring a permanently complex structure, achieving versatility through dynamic reconfiguration rather than static complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex actuating devices are installed in upper sheet-pressing tools to accommodate bent edges, then the versatility of handling various bent metal elements is improved, but the volume of the contractible elements becomes greater than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The contractible elements are segmented into smaller modular units that can be distributed along the sheet-pressing tool. This segmentation reduces the volume of each individual contractible element while collectively providing the necessary versatility to handle various bent metal elements through coordinated positioning of multiple smaller units.
Solution Approach 2:
A control system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the modular elements, coordinating their positioning to achieve the desired adaptability. This allows smaller-volume modular elements to collectively provide the versatility of a single large complex element, as the control system optimizes their arrangement for different bending scenarios.
3Reliability
If voluminous contractible elements are used to ensure adequate engagement surface for handling bent edges, then the reliability of contact with bent edges is improved, but the discontinuous upper engagement surface requires complex handling device operations
Solution Approach 1:
The upper engagement surface is segmented into multiple modular elements that can be positioned to create continuous contact surfaces when needed. This segmentation allows reliable contact with bent edges through coordinated positioning of smaller modules, eliminating the need for complex handling operations required by single large voluminous elements with discontinuous surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular elements forming the upper engagement surface are dynamically repositionable during operation. This allows the system to create continuous engagement surfaces adaptively based on the specific bending task, ensuring reliable contact with bent edges while simplifying handling device operations through automated dynamic reconfiguration rather than complex manual handling.
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
This solution reduces the volume of contractible elements, enhances operational efficiency, and allows for the bending of a broader range of metal elements, automating handling operations and reducing processing costs and time, while minimizing operator involvement.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating device (10) for a contractible element for bending means (4) of an industrial machine (1) for bending flat metal elements provided with a lower component (44) and an upper component (46) apt to move relative to each other... comprises a rack and pinion gear unit (20) and a connecting plate (30)... The rack and pinion gear unit (20) comprises a pinion (21) having an axis, at least a first rack (22) and a second rack (23)...
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating device for actuating a contractible element for a bending element of an industrial machine for bending metal elements comprises a lower component and an upper component apt to move relative to each other from a first position to a second position, the actuation device including a connecting plate configured to be connected to the lower component of the contractible element. A rack and pinion gear unit is also set out and includes a pinion having an axis, at least a first rack and a second rack actuated simultaneously by the pinion. The first rack is configured to be fixed to the upper component and the second rack is configured to be coupled to the connecting plate. The pinion is operable in a first direction of rotation to move the first rack and the second rack transverse to the axis in opposite directions. The pinion is operable in a second direction of rotation, contrary to the first one, to move the racks in opposite directions towards a second position.