Flexible Fixture Locator Probing and Offset Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning flexible fixtures on CNC machines require skilled personnel and result in significant machine downtime due to the need for precise calculations and complex procedures to ensure alignment within a predetermined tolerance, often compromised by debris or installation errors.
Innovation Solution
A method involving probing a primary, secondary, and tertiary locators on the flexible fixture to determine their positions on a CNC machine's coordinate system, calculating offsets, and programming the controller to compensate for any deviations from nominal positions, allowing for electronic adjustment and alignment within specified tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional alignment methods are used to ensure fixture alignment within predetermined tolerance, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to several hours of machine downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment procedures with an automated probing system that uses a probe to automatically measure locator positions and a controller to calculate and apply compensation offsets, eliminating the need for skilled personnel to perform complex manual calculations and procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the fixture alignment process to be self-performing through automatic probing of locators, automated calculation of offset values by the controller, and automatic application of compensation, reducing dependence on skilled maintenance personnel
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment procedures are performed to achieve proper fixture alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to complex procedures requiring skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual alignment procedures with an automated system where a probe automatically measures locator positions and a controller automatically calculates compensation offsets, simplifying the process from complex manual procedures to automated measurements and calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that automatically processes probe data, calculates offset values, and applies compensation to the CNC machine, eliminating the need for skilled personnel to perform complex calculations and procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A method for properly locating a flexible fixture on a CNC machine comprises probing a plurality of locators on a flexible fixture to determine a locator position on a coordinate system for the CNC machine. The position for each of the plurality of locators is analyzed to determine if all of the plurality of locators are within a predetermined offset limit from a nominal position. A controller is programmed with an offset compensation amount based upon the probed position for each locator when each of the plurality of locators is within the predetermined offset limit. The locator positions are adjusted if one of the probed locations is not within the predetermined offset limit. The CNC probing programs are generated by a computer language to accommodate various fixture configurations.