System and method for tube bending
US7231798B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 19, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB21D7/00
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for bending a tube in a pre-selected geometry includes deriving at least one processing parameter from the geometry, applying a thermal source circumferentially to the tube to heat the tube along at least one circumferentially directed path in accordance with the parameter and actively cooling the tube to a pre-selected temperature. The applying and active cooling steps are alternately performed a number of times. A system for bending the tube includes a thermal source for heating at least one region along the path on the tube, a tube advancing module for advancing the tube, an active cooling module for cooling the tube to a pre-selected temperature, a processing module to derive at least one processing parameter from the geometry and a control module configured to control the thermal source and active cooling module in accordance with the parameter. The alternate heating and cooling are performed a number of times.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.