Method for precision bending of sheet of materials, slit sheets fabrication process
US6877349B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24314
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for precision bending of a sheet of material (41, 241, 341, 441) along a bend line (45, 245, 345, 445) and the resulting sheet are disclosed. A method includes a step of forming longitudinally extending slits (43, 243, 343, 443) through the sheet of material in axially spaced relation to produce precise bending of the sheet (41, 241, 341, 441) along the bend line (45, 245, 345, 445) with edges (257, 457) engaged and supported on faces (255, 455) of the sheet material on opposite sides of the slits. The edge-to-face contact produces bending along a virtual fulcrum position in superimposed relation to the bend line (45, 245, 345, 445). Several slit embodiments (43, 243, 343, 443) suitable for producing edge-to-face engagement support and precise bending are disclosed, as is the use of the slit sheets to enhance various fabrication techniques.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.