Adjustable Fixture Mechanism With Compact Guide Members
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixture mechanisms for machining operations are complex and prone to contamination due to numerous moving parts, which affects their accuracy, reliability, and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified adjustable fixture mechanism comprising first and second outer plates, a central plate, and guide members that allow for precise adjustment of gripping arms through a compact actuation system, reducing the number of moving parts and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional adjustment mechanisms are used with multiple moving parts, then the fixture can achieve positioning adjustment, but the reliability decreases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions into a single integrated mechanism. The gripping arm assembly integrates the gripping function, positioning function, and adjustment function into one unified structure that moves as a single unit, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms with multiple moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping arm assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides gripping force on the workpiece, enables positioning adjustment along the longitudinal axis, and maintains clamping force. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the fixture mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple moving parts are used in the adjustment mechanism, then adjustment functionality is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the adjustment mechanism with the gripping arm into a single integrated assembly, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while maintaining full adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping arm assembly is designed to be dynamically adjustable along the longitudinal axis through simple linear movement, allowing the fixture to adapt to different workpiece positions without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous moving parts are used, then the adjustment mechanism can be highly adjustable, but the likelihood of contact with contaminants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces contamination risk by consolidating multiple separate moving parts into a single integrated gripping arm assembly. This reduction in the number of moving parts directly decreases the number of potential contact points with contaminants while preserving the full adjustment capability along the longitudinal axis.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simplified mechanism with fewer parts is used, then manufacturing costs decrease, but achieving accurate positioning becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping arm assembly maintains positioning accuracy through its dynamic linear movement capability along the longitudinal axis. The simplified mechanism achieves precise positioning by allowing smooth, controlled movement of the entire gripping arm assembly to the required position, compensated by the spring force for maintaining contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded gripping arms provide self-adjusting contact force with the workpiece. When the gripping arm assembly is positioned, the spring force automatically ensures proper contact and clamping, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining positioning accuracy.
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
The mechanism provides accurate, repeatable, and reliable clamping of workpieces during machining operations while minimizing contamination risks and manufacturing costs by using a compact, efficient adjustment mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring extending into the cavity and operable to bias the gripping arms into engagement with the workpiece
Implementation Method 2
The first adjustment member abuts the first guide member and is rotatable relative to the second outer plate to adjust a position of the first guide member within the guide-member recess
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture mechanism may include first and second outer plates, a central plate and first and second guide members. The second outer plate includes a first face facing the first outer plate. The second outer plate may include first and second guide channels and a guide-member recess. The guide channels may be fixed relative to the first outer plate. The central plate is movably disposed between the first and second outer plates. The central plate may slidably engage first and second gripping arms that are movable relative to the outer plates between a clamped position and a retracted position. The guide members may be received in the guide-member recess and may be movable relative to the second outer plate and relative to each other within the guide-member recess to adjust a position at which the workpiece will be clamped when the gripping arms are in the clamped position.