Variable Spacing Jaw for Metal Profile Bending

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing metal profile bending installations require frequent tool changes and are not adaptable enough to produce frames of varying dimensions and thicknesses with consistent thickness at corners, while maintaining high production rates and minimizing operational adjustments.

Innovation Solution

An installation with a bending module featuring jaws and shape-holding members with variable spacing, allowing for adaptation to different profile widths without tool changes, and including triangular shape-holding members with asymmetrical sides and counterbores for precise profile maintenance during bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fixed bending punches and adjustable bending jaws are used, then production rate is maintained, but adaptability to different profile widths requires tool changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction rateVSAvoidadaptability to different profile widths
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the bending punch adjustable in position along the bending axis. The punch can be moved to different locations to accommodate various profile widths without requiring tool changes, thereby maintaining both high production rate and adaptability to different profile dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of the bending punch position rather than replacing the entire tool. By adjusting the punch location parameter along the bending axis, the system adapts to different profile widths while maintaining consistent production rates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If profile thickness varies, then different frame dimensions can be produced, but consistent thickness at corners becomes difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariability in frame dimensionsVSAvoidconsistency of thickness at corners
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing separate adjustment capabilities for different regions of the profile. The bending punch can be positioned to account for variations in profile thickness at different locations, ensuring consistent corner thickness while allowing overall frame dimension variability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adjusts the bending parameters (punch position and jaw spacing) to compensate for variations in profile thickness. This allows the system to produce frames with varying overall dimensions while maintaining consistent local thickness at critical corners

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple tools are used for different profile widths, then precision is maintained, but device complexity and maintenance increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending precisionVSAvoidnumber of tools required
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a single bending tool with adjustable features that can handle multiple profile widths. The bending punch and jaws can be repositioned to accommodate different profile dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining bending precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the single tool to adapt its geometry to match different profile requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration capability provides the precision of multiple fixed tools with the simplicity of a single adjustable device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If frequent tool changes are made, then adaptability is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different profilesVSAvoidproduction rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing a dynamically adjustable single tool that can adapt to different profiles without requiring physical tool changes. The adjustable punch and jaw positions allow rapid reconfiguration during operation, maintaining high productivity while achieving full adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention prepares the tool in advance with adjustable features that can be quickly reconfigured for different profile types. This preliminary design of adjustable mechanisms eliminates the need for time-consuming tool changes, allowing rapid adaptation while maintaining production rate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3495067B1Device and method for bending wing metal profiles
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 MECA THEIL
  • EP3495067B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3495067B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3495067B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a metal profile bending installation for window and door frames, comprising at least one profile feeding module, a profile joining module, a profile feeding and guiding module, and a profile bending module with a means for maintaining the shape of the profiles during bending. This module includes a jaw (16, 17) with variable spacing, said jaw forming a first variable-spacing profile holding element and surrounding a second profile holding element (23) during bending. The bending module comprises at least two second profile holding elements (23), and these second holding elements (23) have variable spacing (F2). The invention also relates to a bending method using such an installation.