Frame Gripper Suction Retention for Vibration-Stable Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece retention devices for aircraft components, such as frames, require frequent attachment and detachment of clamps during machining, leading to decreased efficiency and potential vibration issues during machining processes due to the need for custom clamp jigs for varying workpiece curvatures and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece retention device with a gripper movement mechanism and suction mechanism that allows for secure retention of workpieces by moving grippers according to the design shape, using a combination of suction and clamp mechanisms to stabilize the workpiece without releasing it during machining, and includes vibration-proof materials to minimize vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamp device with slide blocks and clamp cylinders is used to clamp airframe components, then the workpiece can be retained, but the clamp must be released and reattached during machining operations, degrading work efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical clamp cylinder system with a suction mechanism that uses negative pressure to retain the workpiece. The suction mechanism is integrated into the gripper structure, allowing continuous retention during machining operations without requiring release and reattachment, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the suction mechanism with the gripper structure, merging the retention function directly into the positioning system. This integration eliminates the need for separate clamp attachment and detachment operations, improving work efficiency while maintaining secure workpiece retention throughout the machining process.
2Ease of operation
If the clamp is released during machining work to access the workpiece, then machining operations can be performed, but the workpiece may vibrate, causing poor work quality
Solution Approach 1:
The suction mechanism provides continuous retention force during machining operations, eliminating the need to release the clamp for accessibility. This continuous retention prevents workpiece vibration while maintaining ease of operation, as the suction force allows machining tools to access the workpiece without compromising retention stability.
3Reliability
If custom clamp jigs are prepared for each workpiece type with different curvatures and shapes, then precise retention is achieved, but the device complexity and preparation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suction mechanism integrated into the gripper provides a universal retention solution that can accommodate different workpiece types, curvatures, and shapes without requiring custom clamp jigs for each variant. The suction force adapts to various geometries, reducing device complexity while maintaining retention precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper structure with integrated suction mechanism can dynamically adjust to different workpiece geometries through its movement capability, providing precise retention for various curvatures and shapes without requiring multiple fixed clamp configurations, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If frequent attachment and detachment of clamps is performed during machining, then workpiece accessibility is improved, but time is lost and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction mechanism eliminates the need for frequent clamp attachment and detachment operations by providing continuous retention throughout the machining process. This substitution maintains workpiece accessibility while eliminating the time loss associated with repeated clamp operations, significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction mechanism maintains continuous retention action throughout the entire machining process, eliminating interruptions for clamp attachment and detachment. This continuity of useful action ensures both workpiece accessibility and eliminates time loss, directly addressing the productivity issue.
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 solution enables efficient machining of workpieces by maintaining secure retention without the need for frequent clamp attachment or detachment, reducing vibration and improving processing stability, thus enhancing work efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a suction mechanism disposed in the movement block so as to suction the workpiece main body on the first flange side
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a workpiece retention device that retains a frame which includes a workpiece main body and a lip flange and a base flange that are provided to the workpiece main body, wherein: the workpiece retention device comprises a plurality of grippers that are aligned in the lengthwise direction of the frame, and a horizontal movement mechanism and a vertical movement mechanism that move the plurality of grippers; the gripper each include: a lower block, a workpiece support pin that is provided to the lower block and that supports the frame, an upper block that can move toward the base flange of the supported frame, a block movement mechanism that moves the upper block; and a suction mechanism that is provided to the upper block and that suctions the workpiece main body on the base flange side.