Rotary Press Brake Tool Assembly for Continuous Reverse Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing press brake systems require pausing and manual repositioning of sheet metal workpieces to form opposite or reverse bends, leading to inefficiencies in the forming process.
Innovation Solution
A press brake system with a rotary tool assembly that allows the upper and lower punches and dies to rotate independently, enabling continuous bending of sheet metal without the need for manual repositioning, by using a controller to automate the tool positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional affixed punch and die are used in press brake, then structural simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to required pausing and manual repositioning for reverse bends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static affixed punch and die into rotary tools that can rotate between different bending positions. The upper and lower tool assemblies are equipped with rotary mechanisms allowing the punch and die to orient themselves in different directions, enabling continuous forming operations without pausing for manual repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary tool assembly provides multi-functionality by enabling the same tool assembly to perform multiple bending operations in different directions. The punch and die can rotate to accommodate both forward bends and reverse bends, eliminating the need for separate tooling setups and manual intervention between different bend types.
2Loss of time
If manual repositioning of sheet metal is required for reverse bends, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but loss of time increases due to process interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary tool assembly implements self-service by automatically repositioning itself through rotation to accommodate reverse bends. The system eliminates the need for manual intervention in repositioning the tooling, as the rotary mechanisms automatically orient the punch and die in the correct positions for continuous forming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuity of useful action by enabling uninterrupted forming operations. The rotary tools allow the press brake to continuously form both forward and reverse bends without pausing the machine cycle, maintaining productive action throughout the entire forming process.
3Productivity
If affixed punch and die configuration is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity is reduced due to inability to perform continuous bilateral bending
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms static tooling into dynamic rotary mechanisms that can automatically reposition between different bending orientations. This dynamic capability allows continuous forming on both sides of the sheet metal without manual intervention, significantly improving productivity despite the added mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational dimension to the traditional linear press brake operation. By introducing rotary motion to the punch and die assemblies, the system can access multiple bending planes and orientations, enabling continuous bilateral forming operations that were impossible with fixed tooling.
Data Source
AI summary
A press brake machine configured to bend a workpiece. The machine includes an upper beam configured to hold an upper tool assembly that includes an upper rotary tool configured to hold an upper punch and an upper die. The machine also includes a lower beam configured to hold a lower tool assembly that includes a lower rotary tool configured to hold lower punch and a lower die. The upper rotary tool assembly is configured to rotate the upper punch and the upper die and the lower rotary tool assembly is configured to rotate the lower punch and the lower die. The upper rotary tool assembly is configured to position to the upper punch downwards to a first upper rotary tool position when the lower rotary tool assembly positions the lower die upwards to a first lower rotary tool position such that the upper punch.