Automotive Bumper Fixing Fixture with 3-Axis Adaptive Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing punching processing stations for motor vehicle bumpers are inflexible and require separate machines for each bumper model, leading to high capital and space requirements, as well as limitations in series production flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A punching processing station with a fixing device featuring linear drive units that allow fixing elements to move in all three axial directions, enabling optimal adaptation to various bumper contours, and a movable base frame for processing different bumper geometries, along with a system for adjusting and locking the bumper using negative pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single punching machine with a mounting fixture specifically adapted to one bumper model is used, then the punching precision and reliability are improved, but the capital commitment and space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepunching reliabilityVSAvoidbumper model adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting fixture employs linear drives that enable the fixing elements to move dynamically in all three axial directions, allowing the fixture to adapt its geometry to different bumper models while maintaining stable and reliable fixation during the punching process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The punching machine is designed with a universal mounting fixture that can process multiple bumper models through programmable linear drive movements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated machines for each bumper model while maintaining punching reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate punching machines are maintained for different bumper models, then the punching precision for each model is ensured, but the space requirements and capital commitment increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepunching precisionVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A single punching machine is equipped with a universal mounting fixture that can accurately position and punch different bumper models by programmably adjusting the fixing element positions, thereby maintaining punching precision while reducing the number of machines and space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If fixing elements are stationary relative to the base frame, then the device structure is simplified, but the adaptability to different bumper contours is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing device structureVSAvoidcontour adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing elements are equipped with linear drives that enable them to move in all three axial directions relative to the base frame, allowing the fixing device to adapt to different bumper contours while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This setup allows for the flexible and precise fixation of various bumper models on a single processing station, reducing capital and space requirements while enabling efficient processing of different geometries, including punching and welding operations.

Implementation Method 1

the linear drives are expediently designed as linear motors, in particular as magnetic linear drives

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear drive: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 2

a fixing element has at least one vacuum locking element for locally locking the vehicle bumper to the fixing element using vacuum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP3717187B1Punching center and method for fixing a painted polymeric automotive bumper during a punching process
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 REHAU AUTOMOTIVE SE & CO KG
  • EP3717187B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3717187B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3717187B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a holding device (70, 70') for fastening polymeric motor-vehicle components (1, 1'), such as motor-vehicle bumpers, during a machining operation, in particular a punching operation, comprising a base frame (2, 2') and a fastening device (3) for fastening the motor-vehicle component (1, 1') on the base frame (2), the fastening device (3) having a plurality of fastening elements (5) spaced apart from each other. According to the invention, the fastening elements (5) are arranged on respective linear drive units (100) each having at least one linear drive (6), each linear drive unit enabling individual translation of the individual fastening element (5) in question relative to the base frame (2, 2'). By means of the entirety of the movements of the fastening elements (5), the fastening device (3) can be individually adapted to the surface contour of the specific motor-vehicle component (1, 1') to be fastened.