Adjustable Workpiece Support for Fastening Complex Sheet Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to reliably attach functional elements to workpieces with complex geometries without deforming the workpiece, particularly when the workpiece is made of soft materials, and also face challenges in machining processes involving significant forces.
Innovation Solution
A support device with adjustable support elements that can move relative to each other, allowing for dynamic adaptation to the workpiece geometry, enabling secure support and attachment of functional elements without damaging the workpiece, and facilitating processes like fastening and forming through a spreading device and punch mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flat die methods are used to attach functional elements, then the process is simple and cost-effective, but the workpiece with complex geometry cannot be adequately supported and will deform under the fastening forces
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into multiple support elements (first support element and second support element) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each support element has support surfaces that can be separately adapted to different areas of the complex workpiece geometry, allowing reliable support without requiring a single complex rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device incorporates a spreading mechanism that enables the support elements to move relative to each other in the axial direction. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the support device to adapt its geometry to match complex workpiece shapes, providing reliable support while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Strength
If considerable forces are applied during fastening processes, then functional elements can be securely attached, but soft material workpieces will deform
Solution Approach 1:
The support device provides localized support at specific areas of the workpiece through distributed support surfaces on the support elements. This local support distributes the fastening forces across multiple contact points, preventing stress concentration that would cause deformation in soft material workpieces while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements act as intermediary structures between the fastening forces and the workpiece. They transmit and distribute the applied forces through their support surfaces, mediating the interaction between the attachment process and the soft workpiece material to prevent direct force application that would cause deformation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support device is made rigid for stable support, then support stability is improved, but the device cannot adapt to complex workpiece geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The support device uses a spreading mechanism that allows controlled movement of support elements relative to each other. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt its configuration to complex workpiece geometries while maintaining structural stability during the support and fastening operations.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for attaching a functional element (20) to a section (12) of a workpiece (10) and/or for forming a section of the workpiece, comprising a support device (16) for supporting the workpiece, wherein the workpiece section has a first surface (12a) facing the support device and a second surface facing away from the support device. The support device comprises a first support element (16a) with a first workpiece support surface (18a) associated with the first surface, and a second support element (16b) with a second workpiece support surface (18b) facing away from the first workpiece support surface.The first and second support elements (16a, 16b) are movable relative to each other by means of a spreading device (13) such that the first and second workpiece support surfaces (18a, 18b) are movable away from each other in an axial direction, in particular wherein the axial direction extends perpendicular to the first and/or second workpiece support surface.