Workpiece Fixture Support Blades With Pattern-Matched Interstices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In precision manufacturing, conventional workpiece fixtures often suffer from interference between machining patterns and support structures, leading to damage and reduced accuracy due to unnecessary clearances and collateral machining, which affects the precision and longevity of the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing a target workpiece fixture by precision processing sheet material to form support blades with strategically positioned interstices that coincide with the target machining pattern, reducing unnecessary clearances and collateral machining, and enhancing the structural support while maintaining precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fixtures use regular triangular crenellations to support workpieces, then structural support is provided, but collateral machining occurs and fixture lifetime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the spacing between support points along the support loci. Instead of uniform spacing, the distance between adjacent support points is made non-uniform, with closer spacing in regions prone to collateral machining and wider spacing where less support is needed. This localized variation optimizes both support strength and fixture protection without requiring complete redesign of the entire fixture structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning support points at optimized locations before the machining process begins. The support loci are designed with predetermined non-uniform spacing patterns that anticipate where collateral machining may occur, placing support points strategically to prevent damage before it happens. This proactive approach extends fixture lifetime by preventing damage in advance.
2Strength
If clearances are provided below the workpiece to prevent fixture damage, then fixture protection is achieved, but workpiece positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different clearance characteristics in different regions. Support points are positioned with non-uniform spacing, creating localized support zones with minimal clearance where precision is critical, and larger gaps where fixture protection is prioritized. This spatial variation in clearance quality allows simultaneous achievement of positioning accuracy and fixture protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the support structure into discrete support points along support loci, rather than using continuous support surfaces. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each support point's position and clearance, enabling precise control over both workpiece positioning accuracy and fixture protection in different regions of the workpiece.
3Stability of the object's composition
If support points are densely spaced to improve workpiece support, then structural stability increases, but overlap with machining pattern increases causing collateral damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the density of support points along the support loci. Regions with high risk of collateral machining have sparser support point spacing, while regions requiring greater stability have denser spacing. This localized control of support point density allows optimization of both stability and collateral damage prevention in different areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by providing support only where necessary, rather than continuous support across the entire workpiece. Support points are strategically positioned at critical locations for stability while leaving gaps in regions where they would interfere with machining. This partial support approach prevents collateral machining while maintaining adequate stability through targeted support point placement.
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
The method allows for improved precision and reduced collateral damage during manufacturing by precisely positioning interstices where they are needed, enhancing the structural support and reducing the interference between the workpiece and the fixture, thereby increasing the accuracy and longevity of the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam is focused on a workpiece so as to heat the surface, causing material to be melted or sublimated away
Implementation Method 2
causing material to be melted or sublimated away
Implementation Method 3
causing material to be melted or sublimated away
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
Figure 4(a)~4(b)
AI summary
Disclosed are methods of manufacturing a workpiece fixture (10) and also a target material fixture (10), for use in precision manufacturing processes. A sheet material is supported on a generic material fixture (10) and the sheet material precision processed to form support blades (16, 18) for a target workpiece fixture (10). Each support blade (16, 18) has a support locus and interstices are positioned in the support loci where a target pattern and the support loci coincide. Thus, there are no unnecessary clearances between the workpiece support (10) and the workpiece. The interstices that are present are located only where necessary to reduce or eliminate any interference between the precision manufacturing process and the fixture (10), when it is used in a precision process involving the target pattern.