Sliding Spindle Support Bench for Stable Pipe Bending

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing pipe bending machine structure is overly complex due to interconnected parts that create unnecessary constraints, affecting stability and functionality.

Innovation Solution

Structurally separating the bending unit from the pipe support arm and using a spindle with a sleeve member and rotatable spindle frame mounted on a platform with spherical supports to allow free sliding on a support bench, reducing component parts and enabling stable support during bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the support arm and small arms are interconnected to sustain the support arm, then the support arm can be sustained during oscillation, but the structure becomes complex and creates unnecessary constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of support armVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the small arms from the system. Instead of having the bending unit sustain the support arm through interconnected small arms, the support arm is allowed to oscillate freely under gravity. This eliminates the complex interconnected structure while maintaining the necessary support function during the bending operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the spindle is mounted oscillating on the support arm, then the spindle follows the oscillation of the pipe, but the spindle structure becomes more complex and stability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking of pipe positionVSAvoidspindle stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a spherical support as an intermediary between the spindle and the support arm. This spherical support acts as a mediator that allows the spindle to follow the oscillation of the pipe while maintaining stable support. The spherical geometry enables smooth tracking of pipe position changes without creating complex mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple small arms are connected to both the bending unit and support arm, then the support arm can be sustained, but unnecessary constraints are created that affect functionality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport arm sustainabilityVSAvoidfunctional flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the small arms that create unnecessary constraints. By eliminating these intermediate connecting elements, the system gains functional flexibility while maintaining reliability through direct gravitational support of the support arm during oscillation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 simplifies the machine structure, improves stability, and allows for accurate tracking of pipe cross-section rotation during bending, enhancing the overall functionality and flexibility of the bending process.

Implementation Method 1

a spherical support so that the spindle is able to slide freely on a support bench

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpherical support: Ball

Data Source

PatentEP3743225B1Assembly of bending machine and support bench
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 CML INTERNAT SPA
  • EP3743225B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3743225B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3743225B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

An assembly of a machine for bending an elongated piece (T) and relevant support bench is described. The elongated piece (T) is supported by a spindle (3) that comprises a sleeve member (4) suitable to be connected to the elongated piece (T) to be bent, and a spindle frame (5) which rotatably supports the sleeve member (4). The spindle frame (5) is mounted on a platform (6) provided at its bottom with at least a spherical support (7) so that the spindle (3) is able to slide freely on a support bench (2), while the elongated piece (T) is bent.