Non-newtonian fluid elastomeric assisted support clamp

Abstract

The application discloses a non-Newtonian fluid elastic auxiliary support clamp and belongs to the technical field of machining clamps. The clamp comprises a bottom plate provided with arrayed stepped mounting holes, an elastic auxiliary support assembly, a fixed support assembly and a pressing assembly. The upper section of the mounting hole is a smooth hole, and the lower section is a threaded hole; the elastic auxiliary support assembly comprises a non-Newtonian fluid medium filled in the hole, a compression spring arranged at the bottom and an elastic support nail in the shape of a stepped shaft. The fixed support and the pressing assembly are fixed in the mounting hole through threads. The application utilizes the shear thickening characteristic of the non-Newtonian fluid, and under the action of a milling impact force, the medium is instantaneously solidified to generate rigid support, thereby effectively inhibiting machining vibration and tool relief deformation of the overhanging part of a thin-walled plate part. The application has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, good universality and adaptability to multi-variety and small-batch production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention discloses a non-Newtonian fluid elastic auxiliary support fixture, belonging to the technical field of milling fixtures for thin-walled plate parts. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of machining, the milling of thin-walled plate parts has always faced the technical challenge of ensuring flatness.

[0003] According to geometric principles, three points determine a plane; therefore, existing general-purpose fixtures for flat parts typically only use three fixed support pins to position the workpiece. However, this traditional support method has significant drawbacks in actual machining: 1. Vibration and Deformation of Suspended Parts: Except for the three fixed support points, the parts of the part are suspended. When a face milling cutter mills these suspended areas, the lack of rigid bottom support causes severe vibration. Simultaneously, under the enormous downward milling pressure (cutting force) of the face milling cutter, the suspended parts undergo downward elastic deformation (the so-called "tool deflection" phenomenon). The combined effect of vibration and deformation leads to a decrease in the surface quality of the milled part, resulting in poor flatness and difficulty meeting accuracy requirements.

[0004] 2. Limitations of existing alternatives: While existing technologies can employ hydraulic clamps to provide auxiliary support by arranging hydraulic support cylinders at the suspended portion in order to solve the problem of suspended support, this approach has the following drawbacks: 3. High cost: Hydraulic clamping systems are complex and have high manufacturing costs.

[0005] 4. Poor versatility: Hydraulic clamps are usually customized for specific parts. They cannot be used for machining plate parts of various shapes and sizes.

[0006] 5. Not suitable for multi-variety, small-batch production: In the multi-variety, small-batch production mode, if a set of hydraulic fixtures needs to be specially made for each plate part of different shapes, it will result in extremely high fixture manufacturing costs and excessively long production preparation cycles.

[0007] Therefore, for the production of plate parts in small batches with a variety of products, there is an urgent need to design a manual fixture that is low in manufacturing cost, versatile, and can effectively solve the problem of auxiliary support for the suspended parts of thin-walled parts. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of large vibration and easy deformation of suspended parts in the milling of thin-walled plate parts, as well as the shortcomings of existing hydraulic clamps such as high cost and poor versatility, and to provide a non-Newtonian fluid elastic auxiliary support clamp. This clamp utilizes the properties of non-Newtonian fluids to provide rigid support, and has a simple structure, low cost, and high versatility, making it suitable for ensuring the flatness of thin-walled plate parts of various shapes and sizes during machining.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is a non-Newtonian fluid elastic auxiliary support clamp, which includes a clamp base plate, wherein mounting holes are arranged in an array on the clamp base plate; The mounting hole is designed as a stepped hole structure, including an upper open hole section and a lower threaded hole section, wherein the diameter of the open hole section is larger than the diameter of the threaded hole section, and the threaded hole section is filled with a non-Newtonian fluid medium. The clamp also includes an elastic auxiliary support assembly disposed within a portion of the mounting holes. This assembly includes a compression spring and an elastic auxiliary support pin. The compression spring is positioned within the threaded hole section. The elastic auxiliary support pin is designed as a stepped shaft structure, specifically including an upper optical shaft section and a lower optical shaft section located below the upper optical shaft section. The diameter of the upper optical shaft section corresponds to the diameter of the optical hole section of the mounting hole, and the two form a clearance fit to achieve guidance. The diameter of the lower optical shaft section corresponds to the diameter of the threaded hole section of the mounting hole, and the lower optical shaft section is inserted into the mounting hole and supported by the compression spring and a non-Newtonian fluid medium. In addition, the fixture also includes a fixed support assembly for providing reference plane support for the workpiece, and a clamping assembly for pressing the workpiece onto the fixed support assembly; the lower ends of the fixed support assembly and the clamping assembly are provided with threads that match the threaded hole section, and are fixed in the mounting hole by threaded connection.

[0010] Furthermore, the lower end face of the lower optical axis section contacts the compression spring to provide initial elastic support before the non-Newtonian fluid medium solidifies, ensuring that the support pin fits against the workpiece surface.

[0011] Furthermore, the non-Newtonian fluid medium is injected into the mounting hole, and the injection height is preferably flush with the stepped surface at the junction of the smooth hole section and the threaded hole section to ensure that the medium fills the working area without overflowing.

[0012] Furthermore, the fixed support assembly includes a fixed support pin, the lower end of which is provided with a thread that matches the threaded section of the mounting hole, and can be screwed into any mounting hole for fixing.

[0013] Furthermore, the clamping assembly includes a pressure plate, a pressure plate clamping screw, and a pressure plate support screw; the lower ends of the pressure plate clamping screw and the pressure plate support screw are both provided with threads that match the threaded hole section of the mounting hole; the pressure plate is installed on the upper part of the pressure plate clamping screw and the pressure plate support screw.

[0014] Furthermore, the number of fixed support components is typically three, arranged in a triangle to define the reference plane of the workpiece; the number of clamping components corresponds to the number of fixed support components, and they are arranged on the outside of the fixed support components.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are significant. Firstly, it effectively suppresses vibration and deformation: Utilizing the properties of non-Newtonian fluids (such as shear-thickening fluids), when a face milling cutter generates instantaneous high-frequency impact force while milling a workpiece, the non-Newtonian fluid filling the mounting holes instantly "solidifies," its viscosity increasing dramatically, providing a near-rigid support force to the elastic auxiliary support pins. This effectively prevents the workpiece in the suspended portion from deforming downwards and greatly absorbs milling vibration, thus ensuring the flatness of the milled surface of thin-walled parts. Furthermore, the fixture base plate adopts an array of stepped holes, and all components (fixed supports, clamping, and elastic auxiliary supports) are installed using a unified hole interface. Users can flexibly adjust the positions of the three fixed support points according to the shape and size of different plate-type parts, and arbitrarily arrange elastic auxiliary support pins in the remaining suspended areas, achieving "multi-purpose use of one plate," greatly reducing the workpiece production preparation cycle and fixture costs. Furthermore, the stepped structure of the mounting holes perfectly matches the stepped shaft structure of the elastic support pins. The upper smooth hole section, in conjunction with the upper smooth shaft section, provides precise guidance; the lower threaded hole section serves both as a cavity for the non-Newtonian fluid and the spring, and as a threaded connection point for the fixed support pin and the clamping screw. This design results in a compact structure and high functional integration. Furthermore, compared to complex hydraulic adaptive clamps, this invention eliminates the need for expensive hydraulic stations and piping systems, achieving adaptive support solely through a mechanical structure and a special fluid medium. This results in low manufacturing costs, convenient maintenance, and is particularly suitable for multi-variety, small-batch production models. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments disclosed in this invention, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. These drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a non-Newtonian fluid elastic auxiliary support clamp; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a non-Newtonian fluid elastic auxiliary support clamp; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of an elastic auxiliary support component for a non-Newtonian fluid elastic auxiliary support clamp; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a clamping assembly for a non-Newtonian fluid elastic auxiliary support clamp; In the diagram: 1-Clamp base plate, 2-Mounting hole, 21-Upper smooth hole section, 22-Lower threaded hole section, 23-Step surface, 3-Elastic auxiliary support assembly, 31-Elastic auxiliary support pin, 311-Upper smooth shaft section, 312-Lower smooth shaft section, 32-Compression spring, 33-Non-Newtonian fluid medium, 4-Fixed support assembly, 41-Fixed support pin, 5-Pressure assembly, 51-Pressure plate, 52-Pressure plate pressure screw, 53-Pressure plate support screw, 6-Workpiece (thin-walled plate type parts). Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions (including preferred technical solutions) of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and by way of listing some optional embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] As shown in the figure, the present invention provides a non-Newtonian fluid elastic auxiliary support clamp, which mainly consists of a clamp base plate 1, an elastic auxiliary support component 3, a fixed support component 4, and a clamping component 5.

[0020] The fixture base plate 1 is a steel plate of a certain thickness, with a dense array of mounting holes 2 on its upper surface. The design of these mounting holes 2 is one of the core features of the present invention, and they are all stepped hole structures. Each mounting hole 2 consists of an upper smooth hole section 21 and a lower threaded hole section 22 (e.g., an M10 threaded hole) located at the bottom.

[0021] In this design, the diameter of the upper smooth hole section 21 is larger than the diameter of the lower threaded hole section 22, and a ring-shaped stepped surface 23 is formed at the junction of the two. This stepped structure with a larger upper section and a smaller lower section achieves "multi-purpose use of one hole": it can be used as a fluid container and a sliding guide hole, and it can also be fixedly connected by the lower thread.

[0022] The elastic auxiliary support assembly 3 is installed in part of the mounting holes 2 of the fixture base plate 1 according to the processing requirements, and is used to support the suspended part of the workpiece 6. The assembly includes a non-Newtonian fluid medium 33 injected into the hole, a compression spring 32 placed at the bottom of the hole, and an elastic auxiliary support pin 31 inserted into the hole.

[0023] A non-Newtonian fluid medium 33 is filled into the lower threaded hole section 22, and its injection height is preferably flush with the stepped surface 23. This medium has shear thickening properties (i.e., its viscosity increases sharply and it hardens when subjected to impact).

[0024] The outer diameter of the compression spring 32 (e.g., φ8mm) is smaller than the inner diameter of the threaded section 22, and it is placed at the bottom of the threaded section 22 and immersed in a non-Newtonian fluid.

[0025] The elastic auxiliary support nail 31 is designed as a stepped shaft structure, which is divided into an upper optical shaft section 311 and a lower optical shaft section 312.

[0026] The diameter of the upper optical shaft section 311 corresponds to the upper optical hole section 21 of the mounting hole, and the two form a clearance fit (e.g., H7 / g6 fit), which not only ensures that the support pin can slide freely up and down, but also plays a certain role in sealing and guiding.

[0027] The lower optical shaft section 312 has a smaller diameter, corresponding to the inner diameter of the lower threaded hole section 22 (smaller than the minor diameter of the thread), and is inserted into the lower threaded hole section 22. Its lower end face presses directly on the compression spring 32.

[0028] Both the fixed support assembly 4 and the clamping assembly 5 are fixed using the threaded section 22 of the mounting hole 2.

[0029] The lower end of the fixed support pin 41 is provided with an external thread that matches the threaded hole section 22. After being screwed into the mounting hole 2, its position is fixed, which is used to establish the reference plane of the workpiece. Usually, three fixed support pins 41 are selected and arranged in a triangle.

[0030] The clamping assembly 5 includes a pressure plate 51, a pressure plate clamping screw 52, ​​and a pressure plate support screw 53. The lower ends of the pressure plate clamping screw 52 and the pressure plate support screw 53 are also provided with external threads that match the lower threaded hole section 22. They are installed in the mounting hole 2 on the outside of the fixed support nail 41, and the height is adjusted by rotating the nut to clamp the workpiece 6.

[0031] The usage process and working principle of this invention are as follows: Step 1: Medium and Spring Preset First, inject a non-Newtonian fluid medium 33 into all or part of the mounting holes 2 that need to be used in the fixture base plate 1, controlling the injection volume so that the liquid level is flush with the step surface 23. Next, insert a compression spring 32 into the threaded section 22 of these holes.

[0032] Step Two: Layout and Installation Based on the shape and size of the workpiece 6 to be processed, three appropriately positioned mounting holes 2 are selected on the fixture base plate 1, and fixed support pins 41 are screwed in. These three points constitute the positioning plane of the workpiece.

[0033] Next, screw in the pressure plate clamping screw 52 and the pressure plate support screw 53 at a suitable position outside the fixed support point, and install the pressure plate 51.

[0034] Finally, an elastic auxiliary support pin 31 is inserted into the mounting hole 2 below the suspended area of ​​workpiece 6, excluding the fixed point. At this time, under the action of the compression spring 32, the elastic auxiliary support pin 31 is in a floating extended state.

[0035] Step 3: Clamping the workpiece The workpiece 6 is placed on the three fixed support pins 41. At this time, the elastic auxiliary support pin 31 located below the suspended part will automatically press its tip against the lower surface of the workpiece 6 under the elastic force of the compression spring 32. Since the spring force is small, it will not lift the workpiece and damage the positioning reference, but only serve the purpose of pressing.

[0036] Subsequently, tighten the clamping assembly 5 to firmly press the workpiece 6 onto the fixed support pin 41.

[0037] Step 4: Processing and Adaptive Support Milling begins. When the face milling cutter cuts the surface of the workpiece 6, especially when cutting above the overhanging parts, high-frequency vibrations and instantaneous downward cutting pressure are generated.

[0038] Non-Newtonian fluid effect: At this time, the non-Newtonian fluid medium 33 filled in the hole is subjected to instantaneous high-speed shear / impact compression from the lower end of the elastic auxiliary support pin 31, and its physical properties change abruptly, changing from liquid to near solid state ("shear thickening effect"), and its viscosity and stiffness increase sharply.

[0039] Rigid support formation: The solidified fluid prevents the elastic auxiliary support pin 31 from moving downward, instantly turning it into a "rigid support point".

[0040] Result: This effect effectively counteracted the milling force, prevented workpiece 6 from deforming, and absorbed cutting vibration. When the milling cutter left or the cutting force disappeared, the fluid returned to a liquid state, and the support pin returned to its elastic floating state.

[0041] Through the above methods, the present invention achieves low-cost, highly versatile precision milling support for thin-walled parts.

[0042] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, combinations, substitutions, improvements, etc., made under the spirit and principles of the present invention are included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A non-Newtonian fluid elastic auxiliary support clamp, characterized in that, The fixture includes a base plate with mounting holes arranged in an array. Each mounting hole has a stepped structure, comprising an upper open section and a lower threaded section. The diameter of the open section is larger than the diameter of the threaded section, and the threaded section is filled with a non-Newtonian fluid medium. An elastic auxiliary support assembly is disposed within a portion of the mounting holes. The elastic auxiliary support assembly includes a compression spring and an elastic auxiliary support pin. The compression spring is placed within the threaded section. The elastic auxiliary support pin has a stepped shaft structure, comprising an upper open shaft section and a lower open shaft section located below the upper open shaft section. The diameter of the upper optical axis section corresponds to the diameter of the optical hole section of the mounting hole, forming a clearance fit; the diameter of the lower optical axis section corresponds to the diameter of the threaded hole section of the mounting hole, the lower optical axis section is inserted into the mounting hole and supported by the compression spring and the non-Newtonian fluid medium; a fixed support assembly is used to provide a reference plane support for the workpiece; and a clamping assembly is used to clamp the workpiece onto the fixed support assembly; the lower ends of the fixed support assembly and the clamping assembly are both provided with threads that match the threaded hole section, and are fixed in the mounting hole by threaded connection.

2. The non-Newtonian fluid elastic auxiliary support clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end face of the lower optical axis section contacts the compression spring to provide initial elastic support before the non-Newtonian fluid medium solidifies.

3. The non-Newtonian fluid elastic auxiliary support clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The non-Newtonian fluid medium is injected into the mounting hole, and the injection height is flush with the stepped surface at the junction of the smooth hole section and the threaded hole section.

4. The non-Newtonian fluid elastic auxiliary support clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed support assembly includes a fixed support pin, the lower end of which is provided with a thread that matches the threaded section of the mounting hole.

5. The non-Newtonian fluid elastic auxiliary support clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping assembly includes a pressure plate, a pressure plate clamping screw, and a pressure plate support screw; the lower ends of the pressure plate clamping screw and the pressure plate support screw are provided with threads that match the threaded section of the mounting hole; the pressure plate is installed on the upper part of the pressure plate clamping screw and the pressure plate support screw.

6. The non-Newtonian fluid elastic auxiliary support clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of fixed support components is three, arranged in a triangle to determine the reference plane of the workpiece; the number of clamping components corresponds to the number of fixed support components, and they are arranged on the outside of the fixed support components.

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