Sheet Processing Tool With Combined Bending and Cutting Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for processing plate-like workpieces, such as metal sheets, lack flexibility in bending and punching operations, requiring tool changes and leading to potential scratches and jamming due to reduced positioning accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A tool with an upper and lower processing unit, where the upper tool features a bending edge and cutting edge, and the lower tool has a counterpart bending and cutting edge, allowing for simultaneous bending and cutting without tool changes by adjusting the position axes, enabling angled bends and efficient cutting of workpieces with varying thicknesses and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate tools are used for bending and punching operations, then each operation can be performed with dedicated tooling, but tool changes are required leading to loss of time and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bending and punching functions into a single integrated tool. The upper tool includes both a bending edge and a cutting edge, while the lower tool includes both a counterpart bending edge and a counterpart cutting edge, allowing both operations to be performed without tool changes
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed with multi-functionality to perform both bending and punching operations. The processing tool has different edges (bending edge and cutting edge) that can be selectively engaged with the workpiece to perform different operations using the same tool assembly
2Adaptability or versatility
If tool positioning accuracy is reduced, then tool changes become more frequent and complex, but this leads to increased risk of scratches and jamming on the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into distinct functional edges (bending edge, cutting edge) on both upper and lower tools. This segmentation allows precise positioning and engagement of specific edges for specific operations, maintaining high positioning accuracy while providing operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The tool design allows dynamic selection and engagement of different edges (bending or cutting) on the same tool assembly. The positioning axes can be adjusted to bring the appropriate edge into engagement with the workpiece, providing adaptability without compromising positioning precision
3Productivity
If a single tool performs both bending and cutting operations, then tool changes are eliminated improving productivity, but the tool structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional edges (bending and cutting) are merged onto the same upper and lower tool bodies. The upper tool includes both a bending edge and a cutting edge, and the lower tool includes both a counterpart bending edge and a counterpart cutting edge, consolidating multiple functions into a single tool assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The tool structure is designed with universal functionality to handle both bending and cutting operations. The processing tool and lower tool are configured with multiple edges that can be selectively engaged through positioning adjustments, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated tools for each operation
Data Source
AI summary
A tool and a method for processing plate-shaped workpieces, in particular metal sheets. An upper tool and a lower tool are movable toward one another for processing a workpiece arranged in between. The upper tool has a clamping shank and a main body arranged on a common position axis. A processing tool is arranged on a main body so as to be situated opposite the clamping shank. The lower tool has a main body with a bearing surface for the workpiece and an opening within the bearing surface. The processing tool of the upper tool has at least one bending edge and at least one cutting edge, and the main body of the lower tool has at least one counterpart bending edge and at least one counterpart cutting edge.