Fixture Workpiece Linkage System for Dimensional Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracking dimensional variations between components during manufacturing is complex due to manufacturing process intricacies, making it difficult to identify improvements in component design and quality analysis.
Innovation Solution
A dimensional automated linkage system that includes a fixture module repository, barcode stamps, and a fixture-workpiece data controller to store and manage fixture records, link fixtures with workpieces, and track modifications, enabling automated data collection and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixtures are made adjustable to accommodate manufacturing variations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture is divided into multiple adjustable locators that can independently accommodate variations in different dimensions. Each locator can be adjusted separately to match the specific dimensional variations of different workpieces, allowing the fixture to handle multiple part variations without requiring complete redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that can dynamically adapt to different workpiece dimensions. The locators can be repositioned along guided paths to accommodate varying part geometries, transforming a static fixture into a dynamic system that responds to dimensional variations.
2Measurement precision
If manual tracking of dimensional variations is implemented, then measurement capability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures and records dimensional variation data during the normal manufacturing process without requiring separate measurement operations. The fixture itself generates the data through its adjustable mechanisms, and this data is automatically logged to the database, eliminating the need for manual measurement and recording.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors and records dimensional variation data from the fixture adjustments, providing real-time feedback about part variations. This feedback loop enables automatic updating of the database with each workpiece processed, eliminating delays associated with manual tracking.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive data collection systems are implemented, then information completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture serves multiple functions: it not only positions and holds workpieces but also automatically measures dimensional variations and records data. By integrating these functions into a single system, the patent avoids the complexity of separate measurement and data collection devices while achieving comprehensive data capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary that centralizes all dimensional variation data from multiple fixtures and workpieces. This centralized repository simplifies data management and analysis compared to distributed tracking systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed toward a dimensional automated linkage system for correlating a fixture with a workpiece. The system includes a fixture module repository, a barcode stamp, and a fixture-workpiece data controller. The fixture module repository stores a fixture record for a registered fixture module, where the fixture record includes a workpiece entry portion to link a fixture of the registered fixture module with a subject workpiece. The workpiece entry portion includes a fixture modification field to identify modifications made to the fixture for mounting the subject workpiece on the fixture. The barcode stamp is configured to include data to identify the fixture record for the registered fixture module. The fixture-workpiece data controller is communicably coupled to an external computing device and operable to populate the workpiece entry portion of the fixture record based on information acquired from the external computing device.