Automated Workpiece Fixing for Consistent Posture Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining processes require manual fixation of workpieces, which is inefficient and prone to variability in the workpiece posture, especially when dealing with complex shapes.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device comprising an auxiliary arm, fixing arms, and a control unit that automates the gripping and fixing of workpieces in a predetermined posture using shape-measuring instruments to guide the fixation process, allowing for flexible and secure attachment without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual fixation is used, then flexibility in handling complex shapes is improved, but productivity and consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in handling complex shapesVSAvoidfixation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses shape-measuring instruments to automatically capture workpiece geometry and the control unit autonomously determines gripping positions and postures, enabling the fixation device to adapt to complex shapes without manual intervention while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts gripping force, gripping position, and workpiece posture parameters based on real-time shape measurement data, allowing automatic adaptation to various complex geometries while ensuring consistent and efficient fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual fixation is used, then adaptability to different workpiece shapes is improved, but manufacturing precision and posture consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different workpiece shapesVSAvoidworkpiece posture consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Shape-measuring instruments continuously measure workpiece geometry and feed data back to the control unit, which automatically adjusts gripping parameters to achieve consistent predetermined postures across different workpiece shapes, eliminating manual variability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated control based on shape measurement data, using actuators and control algorithms to precisely position and secure workpieces in consistent postures regardless of shape variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated fixation is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation automationVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation device integrates shape-measuring instruments, multiple gripping units, and a centralized control unit into a single multi-functional system that can automatically adapt to various workpiece shapes, achieving high productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit serves as an intermediary that processes shape measurement data and coordinates the operations of gripping units and actuators, simplifying the control architecture while enabling complex automated fixation behaviors across different workpiece geometries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250289126A1Fixing device, object fixing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium storing object fixing program

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD

AI summary

A fixing device includes: an arm unit that moves an object to be worked, the arm unit gripping the object to be worked in a state where a posture of the object to be worked is maintained; a fixing unit that fixes the object to be worked; and a control unit that controls operations of the arm unit and the fixing unit, in which the control unit causes the fixing unit to fix the object to be worked such that a position at which the object to be worked is held by the arm unit is held in a state where the object to be worked is gripped and held in a predetermined posture by the arm unit.