Adjustable Support Assembly for Non-Uniform Workpiece Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices, such as V-Blocks, struggle to accurately align and stabilize non-uniform workpieces with varying sizes and weights, often requiring the use of shims and manual adjustments, which can be time-consuming and ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly comprising a base member, pairs of adjustable support platforms, and actuation members that allow for precise vertical and horizontal adjustment of workpieces along X and Y axes, eliminating the need for shims and enabling precise orientation and stabilization of workpieces with differing outer diameters and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional support devices like V-Blocks are used to hold workpieces, then the workpiece can be supported, but non-uniform workpieces cannot be properly aligned and stabilized without additional spacers and shims
Solution Approach 1:
The support platforms are made adjustable along the cylindrical shafts, allowing dynamic repositioning to accommodate non-uniform workpiece geometries. This enables precise alignment without requiring complex fixed structures or additional spacers.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly can handle both uniform and non-uniform workpieces using the same basic structure. The adjustable platforms provide multi-functionality, eliminating the need for different support devices or additional alignment components for different workpiece types.
2Manufacturing precision
If spacers and shims are used with V-Blocks to align non-uniform workpieces, then alignment can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The support platforms are pre-configured on the cylindrical shafts with adjustment mechanisms already in place. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for time-consuming manual insertion and adjustment of spacers and shims during the alignment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment of spacers and shims is replaced by the structured adjustment mechanism of the support platforms along the cylindrical shafts. This provides a more efficient and consistent alignment process.
3Ease of operation
If manual adjustments are made to align heavy non-uniform workpieces, then positioning can be attempted, but the process is ineffective when the workpiece is too heavy to be readjusted manually
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical shafts act as intermediaries between the support platforms and the workpiece. This mechanical linkage provides stable and reliable support for heavy workpieces, enabling precise positioning without direct manual handling of the workpiece itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is segmented into multiple adjustable platforms that can independently position different sections of the workpiece. This allows for reliable positioning of heavy non-uniform workpieces by distributing the support and adjustment across multiple points.
4Device complexity
If fixed support devices are used, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to workpieces with varying sizes, shapes, and weights
Solution Approach 1:
The support platforms are designed to be movable along the cylindrical shafts, providing adaptability to different workpiece geometries and sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. This dynamic capability allows the same device to handle various workpiece types effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
The application is related to adjustable supports for holding objects in one or more desired fixed orientations, including but not necessarily limited to objects that lack uniformity as to size and/or shape and/or weight.