Actuated Clamping Table for Flexible Workpiece Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Clamping tables require expensive and inefficient reconfiguration or replacement of clamp fixtures for different workpiece types, leading to increased labor and costs in manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A clamping table with multiple actuated clamping fixtures that can accommodate workpieces of varying dimensions and shapes without reconfiguration, using a base frame, clamping assemblies, and conveyor frame, along with hydraulic or pneumatic actuators to secure and move workpieces into desired positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If product-specific clamp fixtures are used to hold workpieces, then workpieces can be securely held in fixed positions for welding, but the fixtures must be swapped or relocated for different workpiece types, increasing labor and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece holding stabilityVSAvoidworkpiece type flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp fixture is designed with a universal base structure that can accommodate multiple workpiece types through adjustable clamping positions and interchangeable clamping elements, allowing the same fixture to securely hold different workpieces without complete replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp fixture incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that can be dynamically repositioned along the table surface, enabling the fixture to adapt its configuration for different workpiece dimensions and shapes while maintaining secure holding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If clamp fixtures are swapped or relocated for different workpiece types, then the clamping table can accommodate various products, but this process is inefficient in terms of labor and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct variety accommodationVSAvoidreconfiguration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple clamping positions and pre-configured fixture elements are prepared in advance on the table, allowing operators to quickly switch between workpiece types by simply repositioning components rather than completely replacing fixtures, thereby reducing reconfiguration time and labor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp fixture is divided into modular segments that can be independently adjusted or repositioned, allowing rapid reconfiguration for different workpiece types without moving the entire fixture assembly, thus improving productivity during product changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If product-specific clamping fixtures are created, then each workpiece type can be precisely held, but creating these fixtures is expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece positioning accuracyVSAvoidfixture fabrication cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal fixture design with adjustable features replaces the need for multiple product-specific fixtures, reducing fabrication costs while maintaining positioning accuracy through programmable or mechanically adjustable clamping locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixture uses adjustable parameters such as clamping force, position, and orientation that can be modified for different workpiece types, eliminating the need to manufacture new fixtures for each product variant while preserving manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient and cost-effective manufacturing by securely holding workpieces in fixed positions for welding and other fabrication processes, allowing for continuous welds and improved manufacturing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

positioned on top of the wedge slides such that horizontal movement of the wedge slides results in vertical movement of the beam web

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Implementation Method 2

using a base frame, clamping assemblies, and conveyor frame, along with hydraulic or pneumatic actuators to secure and move workpieces into desired positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

using a base frame, clamping assemblies, and conveyor frame, along with hydraulic or pneumatic actuators to secure and move workpieces into desired positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Gas Compressor

Data Source

PatentUS12515286B2Clamping table

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 ROADCLIPPER ENTERPRISES INC D B A DIAMOND C TRAILERS

AI summary

Apparatus and methods thereof used to clamp and secure workpieces of varying shapes and dimensions into position for welding, machining, and other fabrication activities. A plurality of opposing clamping assemblies attached to the clamping table operate to move and orient separate workpieces into a desired assembly position. The oriented workpieces are then clamped and held in a fixed position for welding, machining, or other fabrication activities.