H-Shaped Machining Jig for Concurrent Workpiece Processing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-axis machining machines face challenges in efficiently machining multiple workpieces concurrently due to complexity and cost in workpiece transfer devices, limited rigidity of machining jigs, and the need for multiple cutting oil and air feed ports, which hinder productivity and machining efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and jig design that allows four workpieces to be positioned horizontally on a single machining jig, with two on each side, enabling concurrent machining by rotating the pallet 90 degrees to access all surfaces, and using a H-shaped base with rigid pallets and internal tubes for oil and air feeding, reducing the need for multiple feed ports and simplifying the transfer device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If workpieces are positioned vertically on the clamp unit, then the machining can be performed with the existing jig structure, but it is difficult to place two workpieces vertically on each pallet, limiting concurrent machining to only two workpieces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of workpieces machined concurrentlyVSAvoidworkpiece transfer device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional vertical positioning approach by positioning workpieces horizontally on the pallets. This inversion allows two workpieces to be placed on each pallet (one on each side), enabling four workpieces to be machined concurrently while simplifying the transfer device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from vertical stacking to horizontal arrangement by utilizing both sides of the pallets. This dimensional change allows workpieces to be positioned on opposite surfaces of the pallets, effectively doubling the capacity per pallet from one to two workpieces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the pallets and vertical wall are reduced in thickness to position four workpieces within the machining range, then the machining range constraint is satisfied, but the rigidity becomes insufficient to support four workpieces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining range availabilityVSAvoidjig rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of reducing thickness to fit workpieces horizontally, the patent inverts the approach by positioning workpieces on both sides of the pallets, utilizing the full spatial capacity without compromising structural thickness and rigidity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the workpiece positioning into two separate pallets with workpieces arranged on opposite surfaces. This segmentation allows each pallet to maintain sufficient thickness and rigidity while collectively accommodating four workpieces within the machining range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If many workpieces are positioned on the turntable, then the productivity increases, but the number of cutting oil and air feed ports must increase, complicating the jig structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of workpieces machined concurrentlyVSAvoidnumber of feed ports

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the feed port requirements by positioning workpieces on both sides of the pallets, allowing shared access to cutting oil and air supply systems. This reduces the total number of feed ports needed compared to positioning all workpieces on a single surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pallets are designed with multi-functionality to serve as both positioning structures and integrated feed delivery systems. The H-shaped base structure provides universal access points for cutting oil and air feeds that can service multiple workpieces simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9669504B2Workpiece machining method

Publication Date: 2017.06.06 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A workpiece machining jig includes: a base member of an H cross-sectional shape integrally having two vertical flanges and a web having an interior hollow portion and extending horizontally to connect between the vertical flanges; first and second pallets fixed to the opposite surfaces of the web for placing thereon four workpieces, two workpieces on each of the pallets, in a horizontal posture. Each of the pallets has a pallet-side communication hole communicating to the hollow portion, and each of the flanges has a flange-side communication hole communicating to the hollow portion. The pallet-side communication hole of each of the pallets and the flange-side communication hole of a corresponding one of the flanges are interconnected by a tube extending in the hollow portion. Thus, four workpieces are machined concurrently using the single workpiece machining jig.