Cannula Grinding Fixture With Simultaneous Rotation And Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing cannula manufacturing process is inefficient and costly due to the need for multiple steps and frequent changes in grinding system components, which complicates the machining operation and increases production time.

Innovation Solution

A fixture system equipped with a rotary actuator for rotating workpieces and a linear actuator for translating them, integrated with a manipulator to enable precise and simultaneous multi-axis movement of workpieces during machining, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional multi-step grinding process is used, then grinding operations can be performed, but production time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction timeVSAvoidgrinding system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple grinding operations into a single integrated fixture system. The fixture holds multiple cannulas and performs multiple grinding operations simultaneously, eliminating the need for sequential processing and frequent component changes. This merging of operations directly reduces production time while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixture is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple cannulas and perform various grinding operations. The same fixture structure handles different grinding tasks through programmed movements, eliminating the need for dedicated fixtures for each operation and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple grinding system components are used, then different grinding operations can be performed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrinding operation capabilityVSAvoidsystem component quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture serves multiple functions: holding multiple cannulas, positioning them at precise angles, and performing various grinding operations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each operation, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixture incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities with actuators that can adjust the orientation and position of cannulas during grinding. This dynamic adaptability allows the same fixture structure to handle different grinding operations without requiring multiple static components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If frequent changes in grinding system components are made, then different machining operations can be completed, but manufacturing precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining operation varietyVSAvoidworkpiece quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture provides consistent, repeatable positioning for all grinding operations. By using the same fixture structure with programmable positioning rather than changing physical components, the system maintains uniform precision across different machining operations while achieving operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual component changes with automated positioning systems. actuators and control systems programmatically adjust the fixture and cannula positions, eliminating human error and variability associated with manual component changes, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If manual movement and rotation of cannulas is performed, then workstations can be operated, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkstation operation simplicityVSAvoidworkstation automation level

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture incorporates automated actuators that perform the movement and rotation of cannulas during grinding operations. This automation replaces manual manipulation, significantly improving ease of operation while increasing the extent of automation in the workstation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250187139A1Needle Grinder

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 ROYAL MASTER GRINDERS INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a fixture for a workpiece, a system, and a method for performing a machining operation using the fixture. The fixture may include a plurality of holders coupled to a frame. Each holder may be configured to receive and secure a workpiece and may be rotationally coupled to the frame. An actuator may be operatively coupled to the plurality of holders to drive rotation of the holders with respect to the frame. A linear actuator may be configured to linearly translate the plurality of holders. A coupler may be configured to couple the fixture to a manipulator. The manipulator may be configured to move the fixture. The fixture may be configured to rotate a plurality of workpieces by the actuator and simultaneously linearly translate the plurality of workpieces by the linear actuator.