Methods and apparatuses for backgaging and sensor-based control of bending operations
US5761940A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 9, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/02
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Several methods and subsystems are disclosed for aligning a workpiece as it is being loaded into a die space of a bending apparatus, and for performing sensor-based control of a robot as it moves a workpiece from one location to another within a bending apparatus environment. A backgaging mechanism is provided with finger gaging mechanisms having force sensors for sensing forces in directions perpendicular to and parallel to a die. In addition, a robot gripper sensor is provided for sensing either or both of shear forces and normal forces created by movement of a workpiece being held by the gripper. Several sensor-based control modules are disclosed, including a bend-following control module, a speed control module, a module for actively damping vibrations in a workpiece, a module for controlling active compliance/contact between a workpiece and an obstacle, a module for performing a guarded move to intentionally bring a workpiece into contact with an obstacle, and a module for detecting unintentional impacts between a workpiece and an obstacle. Several droop sensing methods and systems are also disclosed, including methods for performing droop sensing and compensation with the use…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.