Selective Tool Support Coupling for Adjustable Strip Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for processing strip material struggle with efficiently adjusting the distance between processing tools, leading to inefficiencies in cutting and forming operations, particularly when producing parts of different sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A device with at least two supports, each equipped with a processing tool, is designed to be linearly displaceable along a guide, using a push rod and coupling devices to adjust the distance between supports, controlled by a system that allows selective movement or simultaneous alignment of the supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between processing tools is adjusted using conventional methods, then the adaptability for different part sizes is improved, but the adjustment time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structures are designed to be dynamically adjustable along the linear guide, allowing the distance between processing tools to be changed during operation. The coupling devices enable selective connection of supports to the push rod, creating a dynamic configuration that can be rapidly repositioned without manual intervention for each adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The push rod serves multiple functions: it simultaneously moves multiple supports, adjusts distances between them, and can selectively couple with different supports based on control signals. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each support, reducing overall adjustment time and complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple supports are moved simultaneously using a common drive, then the productivity is improved, but the ability to adjust individual support positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling devices are segmented and distributed across different supports, allowing selective engagement with the push rod. Each support can be independently coupled or decoupled from the push rod based on control signals, enabling the system to move either all supports simultaneously for high productivity or individual supports for precise position adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling between supports and the push rod is dynamically controllable, transitioning between coupled and decoupled states based on operational requirements. This dynamic coupling mechanism allows the system to switch between simultaneous movement mode (high productivity) and individual adjustment mode (high adaptability) without physical reconfiguration.
3Manufacturing precision
If the coupling devices are controlled to selectively move supports, then the manufacturing precision of tool spacing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves multiple functions through a single integrated architecture: it controls coupling device engagement, regulates push rod movement, coordinates support positioning, and manages the entire machining cycle. This universal control approach reduces the number of separate control systems needed, maintaining simplicity while achieving precise tool spacing control.
Data Source
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AI summary
The application relates to a device with at least two supports (4.1, 4.n), each with at least one machining tool (5.1-5.n) for a material, at least one linear guide (3) on which the at least two supports are arranged to be linearly displaceable, and a push rod (6) driven to move along the at least one linear guide in two opposite directions. Each of the at least two supports has a coupling device (9.1-9.n) by which each of the at least two supports can be selectively coupled to the push rod. The device has a control unit with which the coupling devices can be controlled, so that the at least two supports can be moved together along the at least one linear guide by means of the push rod, or only one or more defined of the at least two supports can be moved, thus allowing the distance between the at least two supports to be changed.The application further relates to a method for processing, in particular cutting, a strip material with a device as described above. After each processing cycle of the strip material, the at least two carriers are moved alternately by the processing tools together by means of the push rod in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first by a first distance.