Adjustable Workpiece Support Module for Low-Deformation Fixturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixed molds for supporting composite material workpieces, especially in aerospace and vessel industries, are costly, cumbersome, and prone to excessive deformation due to inflexible support arrangements, requiring manual calibration and high setup times.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using a finite element method to analyze CAD files for workpiece deformation, determining optimal support points and adjusting support device positions and angles to minimize deformation, incorporating an adjustable support module, analysis, coordinate-processing, and control modules to achieve precise support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If fixed molds are used for supporting workpieces, then workpiece stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece stabilityVSAvoidmold adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed mold is divided into multiple independent support devices that can be individually adjusted. Each support device includes a support arm, support head, and positioning mechanism that can be independently positioned along the workpiece surface, allowing the system to adapt to different workpiece geometries while maintaining stability through coordinated support points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support system transitions from a static fixed mold to a dynamic adjustable system. The support devices can be repositioned along rails or guides, and the support heads can adjust their angles and positions to match the workpiece curvature, enabling the same system to accommodate various workpiece types and sizes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If dense fixed spacing support arrangement is used, then workpiece coverage is improved, but setup time increases and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport coverage areaVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support devices are designed with universal adjustability, allowing each device to serve multiple positions and angles. The positioning mechanisms enable support devices to be placed at variable spacings rather than fixed intervals, and the support heads can adapt to different surface orientations, reducing the total number of devices needed while maintaining full coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows continuous adjustment of support device positions and support head angles rather than requiring discrete fixed positions. This parameter variability enables optimization of support point distribution based on workpiece geometry, achieving adequate coverage with fewer devices and reducing setup time through automated positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of support devices is used, then positioning flexibility is improved, but setup time increases and precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidsupport position precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced with an automated control system. Sensors detect workpiece geometry and position, a computer calculates optimal support device locations and angles, and automated mechanisms execute the positioning, eliminating manual calibration while achieving high precision through computational algorithms and automated actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12558748B2Method and variable system for adjusting workpiece-supporting module

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 IND TECH RES INST

AI summary

A method for adjusting a workpiece-supporting module includes: setting initial support position information of a workpiece, the initial support position information including positions of support devices and a spacing value for separating the support devices; according to the initial support position information, applying a finite element method to analyze a CAD file of the workpiece to obtain workpiece deformation information; according to the workpiece deformation information and target workpiece deformation information, realizing support position information corresponding to each support device, the support position information including X-axis coordinates and Y-axis coordinates; according to the support position information and a conversion program, obtaining a Z-axis coordinate and a normal vector of each support devices; and, according to the support position information, the Z-axis coordinate and the normal vector, adjusting the position and the angle of each support device. In addition, a variable system for adjusting the same workpiece-supporting module is also proposed.