Composite Fixture Blocks for Multi-Workpiece Stable Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional workpiece clamping devices face issues such as limited capacity for simultaneous clamping of multiple workpieces, inconvenient operation due to short travel of clamping fixtures, potential for workpiece tilting and stress concentration, and difficulties in aligning and adjusting holders and clamping blocks for different workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A fixture block composite structure comprising a stop fixture block and one-sided or two-sided movable fixture blocks, where the movable blocks can translate or tilt to adjust the clamping distance, featuring elastic elements and bevel faces for synchronized movement, allowing for efficient clamping and loosening of workpieces, and multiple configuration options for various workpiece sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional vice with fixed and movable jaws is used, then one workpiece can be clamped at a time, but it is inconvenient for work when multiple workpieces need to be clamped simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The vice is divided into multiple independent fixture blocks (first fixture block, second fixture block, third fixture block, etc.), each capable of independently clamping a workpiece. This segmentation allows multiple workpieces to be clamped simultaneously while maintaining relatively simple individual block structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Each fixture block is designed with universal functionality to clamp workpieces of different sizes and shapes. The fixture blocks can be arranged in various configurations (side-by-side, stacked, etc.) to accommodate different numbers of workpieces, making the device adaptable to multiple clamping scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If V-shaped clamping block is used without up homing mechanism, then structure is simple, but travel of fixtures is very short and manual adjustment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture blocks are designed with movable components that can dynamically adjust their positions. The first and second fixture blocks can move relative to each other, and the third fixture block can move relative to the fourth, allowing for flexible adjustment of clamping distances without requiring complex homing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable fixture blocks are nested within the overall vice structure, allowing them to slide or translate within defined spaces. This nesting approach enables adjustment functionality while maintaining a compact overall structure.
3Reliability
If V-shaped clamping block deviates downward, then contact deviation occurs between clamping block and fixtures, but workpiece tilting and stress concentration are avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping function is segmented across multiple fixture blocks with different clamping surfaces (first, second, and third clamping surfaces). This segmentation allows each surface to independently contact the workpiece, distributing the clamping force and preventing stress concentration even if one surface deviates.
Solution Approach 2:
Each fixture block is designed with specific local clamping surface qualities (first clamping surface, second clamping surface, third clamping surface) optimized for different aspects of workpiece contact. This local optimization ensures stable clamping while distributing stress across multiple contact points.
4Ease of operation
If inverted T-slot is used to hold inverted T-piece, then positioning is simplified, but metal scraps accumulate and hinder movement
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (metal scraps accumulating in the inverted T-slot) is extracted or removed from the system. The design allows for easy removal of metal scraps from the T-slot, preventing them from hindering the movement of the inverted T-piece and reducing maintenance time.
5Adaptability or versatility
If holder and clamping block are changed for different workpieces, then adaptability is improved, but alignment and adjustment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture blocks are designed with universal clamping surfaces that can accommodate different workpiece sizes and shapes without requiring changes to the holders or clamping blocks themselves. The multiple clamping surfaces (first, second, third surfaces) provide versatile contact options for various workpiece geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture blocks incorporate movable components that can dynamically adjust their positions and orientations to adapt to different workpieces. This dynamic adjustment capability provides versatility while reducing the time needed to reconfigure for different workpiece types.
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
Enables efficient and stable clamping of multiple workpieces simultaneously, reducing the risk of tilting and stress concentration, and simplifies the process of adjusting for different workpieces by allowing for various configuration patterns and easy operation in limited spaces.
Implementation Method 1
when the driving bolt is loosened, the driving piece can be pushed up to the home position by the elasticity of the elastic element
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture block composite structure for workpiece positioning comprises a fixture block group composed of at least a stop fixture block and at least a one-sided movable fixture block. The stop fixture block is fixed to a base by a plurality of mountings, and two opposite lateral sides of the stop fixture block in the extending direction of base are provided with a fixed upright positioning plane respectively. The one-sided movable fixture block has a fixed holder, the holder is fixed to the base by a plurality of mountings. The holder is provided with a movable piece which can be driven to reciprocate towards the positioning plane on the stop fixture block. The movable piece is provided with a clamping surface on one side facing the positioning plane.