Adaptive Workpiece Support Plates for Curved Surface Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining systems face challenges in supporting large, curved workpieces without causing damage, as they require extensive support across a large area and must withstand significant forces during machining, with existing solutions often necessitating removal of flexible covers for adaptation.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing controllably extendable support members with three-dimensional positioning and inclination capabilities, allowing for adaptive support without removing the flexible cover, using a combination of extendable members, rollers, and a flexible cover with rigidifying elements to distribute forces and maintain shape integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-dimensional array of support members with a flexible cover is used to support large curved workpieces, then the workpiece can be supported over a large area without direct contact with individual support members, but the flexible cover must be removed to adapt the position and orientation of support members to match workpiece curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are made dynamically adjustable through three controllably extendable members that allow real-time modification of plate position and inclination. This dynamic capability enables the support system to adapt to different workpiece curvatures without removing the flexible cover, maintaining machining continuity while achieving geometric adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into multiple independently controllable support members, each with its own three extendable members for positioning. This segmentation allows localized adjustment of individual plates to match varying curvatures across the workpiece surface, enabling adaptation without affecting the entire system or requiring cover removal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the position and inclination of support plates are adjusted by removing and repositioning the flexible cover, then the support can be adapted to different workpiece geometries, but this process requires stopping machining operations and removes the protective cover
Solution Approach 1:
The three controllably extendable members are pre-installed on each support member, enabling rapid position and inclination adjustments without the need to remove and reposition the flexible cover. This preliminary configuration allows geometric adaptation to be achieved through simple extension adjustments rather than complete reassembly, significantly reducing adaptation time.
3Ease of operation
If three controllably extendable members are used to determine plate position and inclination, then precise controlled positioning is achieved without removing the flexible cover, but the system complexity increases compared to fixed support members
Solution Approach 1:
The position and inclination of each support plate are controlled by changing the extension parameters of three extendable members. This parameter-based control approach provides precise positioning capability while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure, as the plates themselves remain unchanged and only their spatial parameters are adjusted through the extendable members.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supporting workpieces comprises a base and a plurality of support members (1), each support member (1) comprising a plate (11) and means for positioning the plate (11) in relation to the base. In at least some of the support members (1). The means for positioning the plate (11) comprise at least three controllably extendable members (13) arranged for determining the position and inclination of the plate (11) in relation to the base, thereby allowing for controlled positioning of the plate (11) in relation to the base and for controlled inclination of the plate (11).