Apparatus and method for multi-part setup planning for sheet metal bending operations
US7031893B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/40628
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A setup planning technique is provided in which a family of parts to be manufactured is identified, and the setup constraints imposed by the various bending operations in the part family are determined. The setup constraints may define or describe spatial constraints on the sizes and locations of various tooling stages in the setup. After identifying setup constraints, setup plans are generated that satisfy all setup constraints. Any setup plan that satisfies all setup constraints may then be utilized to accommodate every part in the part family. Constraint propagation techniques may be utilized to identify compatible setup constraints and create setup plans. According to the various features and aspects of the invention, dissimilar sheet metal parts can share setups, and the need for extra tooling and fixturing may be minimized. Further, the present invention provides potential savings over state-of-the-art systems, and increases production capability and overall through-put of manufacturing facilities.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.