Hexapod Workpiece Fixturing for Complex Geometry Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for fixing and processing complex workpieces lack sufficient mobility and flexibility, often resulting in deformation or residual stresses, and require significant design effort and manufacturing costs due to linearly movable support struts and separate drives.
Innovation Solution
A device with a support strut that can pivot, rotate, and change in axial length, combined with a hexapod bearing unit for 3-dimensional mobility, allowing flexible adaptation to complex geometries and using a flange-like support plate with exchangeable fixing elements for precise clamping, and a ball joint for rotational and axial movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If linearly movable support struts with separate drives are used, then the device can fix workpieces, but the design complexity and manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple support struts into a single movable platform that can simultaneously support multiple workpieces. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate drives needed while maintaining the workpiece fixing capability, thereby reducing design complexity and manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable platform is designed to serve multiple functions: it can hold multiple workpieces, adjust its position, and accommodate different workpiece configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated support structures for each workpiece, reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If linearly movable support struts are used, then the device can support workpieces, but the mobility and flexibility for complex geometries are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static linearly movable support struts to a dynamic movable platform that can change its configuration and position adaptively. This dynamic capability allows the platform to accommodate complex workpiece geometries while maintaining support reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable platform introduces additional degrees of freedom beyond simple linear movement, enabling motion in multiple dimensions. This dimensional enhancement provides the mobility needed to access and support complex workpiece geometries while maintaining reliable fixation.
3Device complexity
If fixed support struts are used, then the device structure is simple, but the workpiece may deform or develop residual stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The movable platform provides dynamic adjustment capability that allows the support structure to adapt to the workpiece geometry without imposing fixed constraints. This prevents workpiece deformation and residual stresses while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation.
4Measurement precision
If multiple separate drives are used for each support strut, then individual positioning is precise, but the manufacturing costs increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function into a single movable platform that can be controlled by one drive mechanism rather than multiple separate drives. This maintains positioning precision for multiple workpieces while significantly reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant drive components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for the detachable fixing of a workpiece (2) to be measured and/or machined, wherein the device (1) has at least one support strut (3) at the end of which facing the workpiece (2) an adapter (4) is arranged, the support strut (3) is pivotably, rotatably and with its axial length variable mounted in a housing (5) at its end opposite the workpiece (2), and the adapter (4) accommodates a bearing unit (6) which is designed as a hexapod. The invention further relates to a method for mounting a workpiece (2) to be measured and/or machined with at least one device (1) according to the invention.