Slotted Lower Apron Structure for Precise Long-Sheet Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing press brake designs for bending metal sheets face challenges in achieving precise deformation of the lower apron to match the upper apron's concave shape, especially when handling long sheets, as existing solutions either require expensive adjustments or risk reducing the elastic limit, leading to irreversible plastic deformations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pair of horizontally elongated main slots symmetrically arranged with additional slots, where the internal and external ends of the additional slots are located on either side of the main slots, increasing the flexibility of the lower apron's folding edge without creating excessive weakness, allowing for longer sheet bending without premature plastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If long slots are provided in the lower apron to enable elastic deformation of the folding edge, then the deformability of the lower apron is improved, but the elastic limit is reduced leading to irreversible plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The lower apron is segmented into multiple independent slot units arranged in series between the folding edge and the median transverse plane. Each slot unit can deform independently, allowing the folding edge to adapt to the concave shape of the upper apron while distributing stresses across multiple segments, preventing any single slot from reaching its plastic deformation limit.
Solution Approach 2:
The slots are arranged in a series configuration extending from the folding edge toward the median transverse plane, creating a multi-dimensional deformation pathway. This series arrangement allows progressive deformation through multiple slot units rather than relying on a single long slot, maintaining the elastic limit while achieving the required adaptability.
2Length of moving object
If slots are extended far inward toward the bed to accommodate long sheets, then the processing capability for long sheets is improved, but the slots reduce the elastic limit causing plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one continuous long slot, the design segments the slot structure into multiple smaller slot units arranged in series. This segmentation allows the lower apron to process long sheets by providing cumulative deformation capacity across multiple units while each individual unit remains within its elastic deformation range.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot units are positioned at specific locations between the folding edge and the median transverse plane, with each unit having optimized dimensions and spacing. This local optimization ensures that each slot unit provides sufficient deformation capacity for its region while maintaining the overall elastic limit of the lower apron.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise adjustment devices such as cylinders or shims are added to control slot deformation, then the bending precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lower apron with series-arranged slot units is designed to self-adjust to the concave shape of the upper apron through elastic deformation of the slots. This passive self-adjustment mechanism eliminates the need for complex active control systems such as cylinders or shims, achieving bending precision through the inherent elastic properties of the slot configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The design achieves bending precision by optimizing the geometric parameters of the slot units (dimensions, spacing, arrangement) rather than using complex adjustment devices. The elastic deformation characteristics of the slots are tuned to match the concave profile of the upper apron, providing precise bending through parameter optimization rather than active control.
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 configuration enhances the deformability of the lower apron, enabling precise bending of sheets up to 4 meters or more without reducing the elastic limit, thus extending the press's lifespan and maintaining bending precision.
Implementation Method 1
the additional slots, which are autonomous slots, distinct from the main slots and which have internal and external ends distant from the lateral sides of the apron, makes it possible to increase the flexibility of the folding edge of the lower apron
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The press brake comprises an upper apron (10) and a lower apron (12) facing each other, one apron being fixed while the other is configured to move in a vertical plane. The fixed apron (12) has a pair of horizontally elongated main slots (20) arranged symmetrically with respect to a median transverse plane (T) of this apron. This apron also has at least one first pair of additional slots (22, 24), also arranged symmetrically with respect to the median transverse plane (T) and elongated horizontally. The inner (22A) and outer (22B) ends of each slot (22) of the first pair of additional slots are located horizontally on either side of the inner end (20A) of the corresponding main slot (20).