Rotating Press Brake Tool Storage for Dense, Easier Tool Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool storage units for press brakes suffer from low storage density, complex architecture, and inefficient tool picking due to large, voluminous designs and complex robotic trajectories.
Innovation Solution
A tool storage unit with vertically staggered, horizontally offset linear guides and a frame that rotates 180 degrees about a vertical axis, allowing tools to be oriented for easier access and reducing the need for complex robotic movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If tools are stored on robotic islands spread over large areas, then tool storage capacity is increased, but the architecture becomes very complex and robotic trajectories become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The tool storage unit is divided into multiple modular tool supports arranged vertically, with each support holding multiple tools. This segmentation allows high storage capacity within a compact structure, eliminating the need for distributed robotic islands while maintaining organizational efficiency through vertical stacking rather than horizontal spreading.
2Quantity of substance
If a voluminous storage unit framing is used, then tool storage capacity is increased, but the device occupies more space and becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from horizontal tool storage arrangement to vertical stacking of tool supports. Multiple tool supports are arranged one above another, utilizing the vertical dimension to maximize storage capacity within a compact footprint. This dimensional change allows the storage unit to hold many tools without requiring large horizontal space, achieving high density in a small volume.
3Ease of operation
If tools are placed on vertically staggered linear guides, then tool picking is facilitated, but the frame structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tool supports are designed to be rotatable about a vertical axis, introducing dynamic repositioning capability. This rotation allows the tool-picking means to access tools from any angular position, simplifying the picking operation by enabling direct access without complex trajectories. The dynamic rotation compensates for the vertical staggering, making the overall system easier to operate despite the staggered arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool storage unit for a press brake is described.To improve the management and functionality of the storage unit, it comprises a tool support frame, which spans a vertical plane and comprises a plurality of linear guides to support tools, the guides being horizontal and staggered vertically. The storage unit comprises means for rotating a frame about an axis of rotation parallel to said vertical plane.