Multi-Component Fixture With Wedge-Ball Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inspection of multiple components is expensive and time-consuming due to the complexity of fixturing them together on inspection machines.
Innovation Solution
A fixture that allows multiple components to be clamped simultaneously using an elongate member for axial movement, featuring hollow wedges and balls that engage with channels to secure components, enabling efficient and cost-effective processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple components are clamped simultaneously using a single elongate member with hollow wedges and balls, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases due to the wedge-ball locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clamping functions are merged into a single elongate member that simultaneously actuates all hollow wedges along its length. The elongate member integrates the functions of multiple separate fasteners into one unified component, allowing simultaneous clamping of multiple components while reducing the number of individual fastening operations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture employs dynamic wedge-ball locking mechanisms where balls move within hollow wedges in response to axial forces applied by the elongate member. This dynamic system allows the fixture to adapt to slight variations in component dimensions while maintaining secure clamping, and enables quick release by simply reversing the axial force direction.
2Reliability
If multiple components are secured using traditional fixturing methods, then reliability of component securing is achieved, but loss of time and processing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow wedges and balls are pre-positioned within the fixture structure before components are loaded. The elongate member is pre-configured with engagement features that align with the wedges. When the elongate member is axially moved, the pre-positioned wedges immediately engage the component surfaces, eliminating the need for gradual adjustment and achieving reliable securing in a single rapid motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional multi-step mechanical clamping process is replaced by a simplified axial movement mechanism. Instead of requiring multiple fasteners to be individually tightened, the entire clamping system is actuated by a single linear motion of the elongate member, which translates rotational or linear input force into simultaneous radial clamping forces through the wedge-ball mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single elongate member is used to clamp multiple components, then processing cost is reduced, but ease of operation decreases due to the complex engagement mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow wedges and balls are designed to self-align and self-engage when the elongate member is axially moved. The geometric configuration of the wedges and balls ensures that they automatically find their correct engagement positions without requiring precise manual adjustment. The elastic member further assists by providing self-adjusting force that compensates for minor misalignments, making the operation intuitive and easy to perform.
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 fixture simplifies the clamping of multiple components, improving efficiency and reducing processing costs while allowing for effective inspection.
Implementation Method 1
each hollow wedge includes an outer wedge surface that defines a frustoconical surface portion extending circumferentially around the central axis
Implementation Method 2
The one or more elastic members may be compressed along the first direction upon the axial movement of the first hollow wedge in the first direction, and may sequentially move the hollow wedges subsequent to the first hollow wedge in the first direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A fixture (110) for removably securing a plurality of components (102) includes a hollow body (112) including a plurality of channels (120) and a plurality of sets of holes (130). The fixture (110) further includes a plurality of hollow wedges (140) and a plurality of sets of balls (150). Upon an axial movement of an elongate member (160) in a first direction (P1), the elongate member (160) axially moves a first hollow wedge (140(1)), thereby causing one or more elastic members (138) to be sequentially compressed and move the subsequent hollow wedges (140). Upon the axial movement, a frustoconical surface portion (146) of each hollow wedge (140) moves the corresponding set of balls (150) radially outwards within the corresponding set of holes (130), such that each ball (152) extends partially into the corresponding channel (120), thereby moving the corresponding component (102) into locking engagement with the corresponding channel (120).