Adjustable Locating Fixture for Fast Multi-Part Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing part locating fixtures require frequent shimming and manual adjustments to accommodate different part numbers, leading to increased costs and downtime due to the need for costly manual labor and multiple adjustments.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable locating fixture with a part locating feature and position indicator, allowing for precise vertical positioning and longitudinal/lateral translation, which includes a base with a raised platform and an adjustable locating member, and a lower substructure enabling flexible adaptation to various part configurations through additive manufacturing and precise adjustment mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If check fixtures are manually shimmed to accommodate different part numbers, then adaptability to various parts is improved, but labor costs and adjustment time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various part numbersVSAvoiddowntime for manual adjustments

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locating members are designed to be adjustable in position along the fixture base, allowing dynamic reconfiguration for different part numbers. This enables the fixture to adapt to various part geometries without requiring complete remanufacturing or extensive manual shimming, thereby reducing adjustment time while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fixture is divided into modular components including multiple interchangeable locating members that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows quick swapping and repositioning of individual locating elements to accommodate different part numbers, reducing the need for comprehensive manual adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If check fixtures are manually shimmed multiple times, then dimensional accuracy is maintained, but labor costs and downtime increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimensional accuracyVSAvoidcost of manual labor

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Manual shimming operations are replaced with an adjustable mechanical system featuring locating members that can be precisely positioned and locked in place. This substitution eliminates the need for repeated manual shimming while maintaining dimensional accuracy, reducing both labor costs and the frequency of adjustments required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixture incorporates adjustable parameters through movable locating members with indicator scales that allow precise positioning. By changing the position parameters of these locating members, the fixture maintains dimensional accuracy for different part numbers without requiring costly manual shimming operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If adjustable locating members with position indicators are used, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Indicator scales are introduced as intermediary elements between the locating members and the fixture base. These indicators provide visual feedback for precise positioning without requiring complex electronic or automated systems, achieving measurement precision through a relatively simple mechanical indication mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locating members are designed with self-indicating features that automatically show their position relative to the fixture base. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external measurement tools or complex adjustment systems, achieving positioning precision through inherently simple indicator scales attached to the movable locating members

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11679459B2Reusable and adjustable universal fixturing system for assembly and check fixtures

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 FORD MOTOR CO

AI summary

A locating fixture that includes a base, an adjustable locating member, a plurality of indicia, a restraining member and a lower substructure. The base includes a raised platform having a mounting aperture. The adjustable locating member is disposed within the mounting aperture and includes a part locating feature and a position indicator fixedly attached to the adjustable locating member. The plurality of indicia is located on the raised platform adjacent to the adjustable locating member. The position indicator cooperates with the plurality of indicia to determine a vertical position of the adjustable locating member. The restraining member is cooperatively engaged with the adjustable locating member. The lower substructure is configured to allow for longitudinal and lateral translation of the base. The base is translatably mounted to the lower substructure.