Adjustable Fabrication Fixture for Heavy Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moving large and heavy partially welded workpieces is challenging due to deformation under their own weight, shear stress failure at the joining seam, and the need for costly and time-consuming temporary supports that require removal after use.
Innovation Solution
A fabrication fixture with adjustable supports and housings that envelop the workpiece, using independently adjustable supports and end stops to prevent movement, and modular sub-sections for adaptability, along with lifting mounts for maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strengthening beams are temporarily welded across the workpiece to counteract shear forces, then the workpiece can be moved safely, but the manufacturing process becomes costly and time-consuming with additional removal and grinding work required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fixture system with adjustable supports as an intermediary device between the workpiece and the moving process. These supports provide the necessary mechanical strength to counteract shear forces during movement without requiring permanent modification to the workpiece, eliminating the need for strengthening beams while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture system divides the support function into multiple independent adjustable supports distributed across the workpiece. This segmentation allows each support to be independently positioned and adjusted to provide optimal local support, replacing the single monolithic strengthening beam approach with a distributed support system that is easier to apply and remove
2Ease of operation
If large workpieces are moved by manpower alone, then manual handling is simple, but the workpieces begin to deform under their own weight and cannot be moved safely
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture acts as an intermediary mechanical system that bridges the gap between manual handling capability and workpiece weight. The fixture provides structural support to counteract gravitational deformation, enabling workpieces that would otherwise be too heavy and prone to deformation to be moved safely with manual effort or light mechanical assistance
3Manufacturing precision
If partially welded workpieces are moved to allow access to the second side for completing the weld, then full welding can be achieved, but shear stress failure at the joining seam is prone to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable supports are positioned in advance to provide counteracting forces that prevent shear stress failure before it can occur during the movement and repositioning of the partially welded workpiece. This preliminary support system is specifically designed to address the shear stress vulnerability at the joining seam during the critical movement phase
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
According to the present invention, there is provided a fabrication fixture for retaining a workpiece, comprising: a first housing; a second housing; said housing comprising; an independently adjustable support; wherein the first and second housing substantially envelop said workpiece to allow the workpiece to be moved.