Sheet Bending Tool with Displaceable Support for Variable Bend Radii
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools for processing plate-like workpieces, such as metal sheets, lack flexibility in producing various bend contours beyond 90° angles and have limitations in creating larger bend radii and incremental bending steps.
Innovation Solution
A tool system comprising an upper tool with a bending edge and a lower tool with a counterpart bending edge, where the bearing surface on the lower tool is displaceable to project the counterpart bending edge, allowing for different bend contours, including pivoting bending, overbending, and incremental bending with larger radii, by superposing displacement movements in the Z and Y directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional upper tool with a fixed bearing surface is used, then the tool structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flexibility in producing various bend contours is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing surface is made displaceable relative to the counterpart bending edge, transforming the static tool structure into a dynamic one. This allows the bearing surface to move in superposed displacement movements (Z and Y directions), enabling the production of diverse bend contours including pivoting bending and incremental bending with larger radii, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bearing surface is fixed relative to the counterpart bending edge, then the tool operation is straightforward, but the ability to create incremental bending steps and larger bend radii is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The displaceable bearing surface enables dynamic adjustment during the bending operation, allowing for incremental bending steps and larger bend radii. The controlled movement in superposed directions provides the necessary flexibility while maintaining manageable operation through systematic displacement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing surface movement is achieved through superposed displacement movements in two dimensions (Z and Y directions). This multi-dimensional movement capability enables complex bend contours and incremental bending steps that cannot be achieved with single-direction movement, resolving the contradiction between versatility and operational simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If only a single bending edge configuration is used, then the device is simple, but the range of bend contours that can be produced is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The displaceable bearing surface configuration allows the same tool structure to perform multiple bending functions by varying the displacement movement parameters. A single bearing surface can produce different bend contours (pivoting bending, incremental bending, larger radii) through different movement patterns, eliminating the need for multiple specialized bending edges and resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool and method for processing plate-shaped workpieces, such as metal sheets. An upper tool and a lower tool are moved toward one another with a workpiece arranged in between. The upper tool carries a processing tool on a main body opposite a clamping shank. The lower tool has a main body and bearing surface for the workpiece with an opening in the bearing surface. The processing tool of the upper tool has a bending edge and the main body of the lower tool has a counterpart bending edge which is positioned in the opening of the bearing surface. The bearing surface being displaceable relative to the counterpart bending edge such that the counterpart bending edge projects from the opening in the bearing surface.