A metal extrusion and nodes based structure is provided. The structure comprises one or more arc members connected by one or more node members, wherein the arc comprises (i) a wing feature which is configured to mate with one or more non-structural components, (ii) an internal passage feature which is configured to be inserted into a connecting feature of the corresponding node member, and (iii) one or more keying features formed from a mating interface with the corresponding node member.

A method, system and apparatus for flexible component routing design, wherein a flexible component includes a first end and a second end, includes moving the second end relative to the first end to simulate an operational motion state of the flexible component, scanning the flexible component to obtain a first set of routing data for the flexible component, changing position of the second end from a first position to a second position, moving the second end relative to the first end to simulate an operational motion state of the flexible component, scanning the flexible component to obtain a second set of routing data for the flexible component, and comparing the first set of routing data with the second set of routing data to determine a routing design for the flexible component.

A method, system and apparatus for flexible component routing design, wherein a flexible component includes a first end and a second end, includes moving the second end relative to the first end to simulate an operational motion state of the flexible component, scanning the flexible component to obtain a first set of routing data for the flexible component, changing position of the second end from a first position to a second position, moving the second end relative to the first end to simulate an operational motion state of the flexible component, scanning the flexible component to obtain a second set of routing data for the flexible component, and comparing the first set of routing data with the second set of routing data to determine a routing design for the flexible component.

The invention relates to a device and method for producing at least partially closed profiles from metal sheet, having a first tool part, a second tool part, and at least one supporting core. The insertion movement of the supporting core between the bending jaws is limited by a stop and, in its insertion position limited by the stop, protrudes with respect to the bending jaws in the direction of the die, in that the supporting core is arranged on a carrier that is movable relative to the die, and in that the bending jaws are assigned at least one displacement element connected rigidly thereto, the displacement element coming into contact with the carrier when the bent metal sheet portion engages around the supporting core.

The invention relates to a riveting tool for setting blind rivet nuts and/or blind rivet screws with a drive piston hydraulically adjustable between a starting position and an end position and a pull rod operationally connected with the drive piston and adjustable between a rivet receiving position and a setting position. In order to provide a riveting tool with a hydraulically driven drive piston, which has a simple and good adaptability for the blind rivet screws and/or blind rivet nuts to be set, it is provided that a coupling unit, a tractive tool adjusted for the blind rivet nut and/or blind rivet screw as well as the pull rod are designed for the form-fitting connection of the pull rod with the tractive tool, which is releasable in the direction of the longitudinal axis and in the circumferential direction.

An apparatus for improving the quality of tube bending; adapted to be used in bending machines and comprises a substantially longitudinally extended mandrel, adapted to be inserted into a tube to be bent and having a rigid portion and a flexible portion arranged in series, the latter comprising a series of mandrel segments connected by articulated joints; the apparatus also comprises at least one motion-sensitive sensor, which is integral with at least one of the mandrel segments, and elements for processing the motion information acquired by the sensor.

An apparatus for improving the quality of tube bending; adapted to be used in bending machines and comprises a substantially longitudinally extended mandrel, adapted to be inserted into a tube to be bent and having a rigid portion and a flexible portion arranged in series, the latter comprising a series of mandrel segments connected by articulated joints; the apparatus also comprises at least one motion-sensitive sensor, which is integral with at least one of the mandrel segments, and elements for processing the motion information acquired by the sensor.

A pipe bend die unit comprises a clamp member having a first groove part of half-circular cross section on an outer peripheral surface thereof with a fitting recess extending in a peripheral direction by a first predetermined length on a planar surface perpendicular to a rotary axis, and a counter pressure member having a second groove part of half-circular cross section formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof, and a fitting protrusion extending in a peripheral direction by a second predetermined length from a tip end portion of the second groove part. The fitting protrusion is positioned in the fitting recess so that the first and second groove parts are combined to form a pipe-receiving groove of half-circular cross section. The counter pressure member and the clamp member are hingedly connected to one another so as to be rotatable relative to each other about the rotary axis.

One embodiment of a brake press for bending and forming sheet metal is disclosed. The brake press includes a movable frame including an upper cross member and a lower cross member and a stationary press positioned between the upper and lower cross members. A punch edge secured to the upper cross member moves towards and away from a die positioned on the stationary press to bend a sheet metal workpiece into a desired configuration, In some embodiments, a hydraulic control assembly provides precise and accurate control of the brake press.

A method for setting blind rivet elements in which the setting of the respective blind rivet element introduced into a pre-hole of the work piece and/or the formation of a rivet collar takes place in a setting stroke (SH) through the permanent deformation of a section of the blind rivet element by subjecting an end of the blind rivet element to a traction force by a traction element of a setting tool while simultaneously supporting another end of the blind rivet element on a support part of the setting tool counter to the traction force.