Press Brake Tool Release Interface for Precise Fold Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial machines for bending metal elements face challenges in achieving precise alignment of upper sheet-pressing tools on both the horizontal and vertical planes, particularly after initial folds, leading to obstacles and incomplete folds due to the complexity of adapting tool dimensions and tightening mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A release device with a longitudinal member and inclined interface allows for horizontal and vertical alignment of sheet-pressing tools using modular, fractional elements and hydraulic/pneumatic actuators, enabling precise adjustment and easy removal/insertion of tools through a coupling interface with clamping screws and actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the upper sheet-pressing tools are made extractable and repositionable to adapt dimensions, then the machine can perform folds on all four sides, but the alignment precision on horizontal and vertical planes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper sheet-pressing tool is divided into multiple extractable and repositionable elements that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the tool to adapt its dimensions by adding or removing elements while maintaining alignment precision through standardized coupling interfaces with alignment features.
Solution Approach 2:
A longitudinal member acts as an intermediary between the tool elements and the support frame. This longitudinal member provides a stable reference structure that maintains alignment precision while allowing the tool elements to be extracted and repositioned. The inclined interface between the longitudinal member and coupling interface serves as a mediator that translates positional adjustments while maintaining alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If central elements are eliminated from upper sheet-pressing tools to reduce dimensions, then space for additional folds is created, but fold quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of statically eliminating central elements, the solution provides for dynamically adjustable tool dimensions through extractable and repositionable elements. The central elements can be selectively removed or repositioned based on the specific folding operation required, allowing space creation when needed while maintaining fold quality when elements are present. The standardized coupling interfaces ensure that regardless of element configuration, alignment precision is maintained.
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
Ensures precise and smooth folding by allowing flexible adjustment and alignment of tools on all planes, reducing complexity in tool manipulation and ensuring clean folds on all sides of metal elements.
Implementation Method 1
said actuators being configured to exert on the wall, when in action, a force opposed to the force exerted by the clamping elements, so as to allow horizontal displacement of the clamping means and allow the interface to move vertically
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic/pneumatic actuators
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a release device developed for an industrial machine for the bending of metal elements by means of a plurality of sheet-pressing tools (6) arranged on a support frame, comprising a longitudinal member (8) whereupon said sheet-pressing tools (6) are positioned by means of an inclined interface (9). A modular coupling interface (2) is included, situated between the wall (12) of the machine and tightening means (1), which keeps said tools (6) locked in position; the clamping means (1) are suitable for locking the interface (2) against the upper wall of the tools (6) and are arranged in an alternate manner in relation to a plurality of actuators (4). The actuators, once actuated, exert a force against the wall (12) that is opposite to that exerted by clamping means (3), and therefore allow for the horizontal displacement of the clamping means (1), such a displacement making it possible for the interface (2) to move itself vertically in such a way as to allow for the removal of the sheet-pressing tool (6).