Integrated Workpiece Holder for Simultaneous Machining and Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machining methods for small parts, such as watch plates, require two fixtures and separate steps, increasing machining time and introducing inaccuracies due to part displacement, and struggle with safely removing the remaining part during cutting.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece holder with two movable elements, controlled by software, allows for simultaneous positioning and separation of the useful and remaining parts, eliminating the need for part transfer and enabling precise machining and safe removal of the remaining part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two separate workpiece holders are used for machining and cutting stages, then the machining process can be completed, but the machining time increases significantly due to requiring two fixtures and separate steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the machining holder and cutting holder into a single integrated workpiece holder. The machining holder includes a machining surface for clamping the blank, while the cutting holder includes a cutting surface with a V-shaped groove for supporting the workpiece during cutting. This integration allows both machining and cutting operations to be performed on the same holder without transferring the workpiece, thereby reducing machining time and eliminating positioning errors from multiple fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece holder is designed with multi-functionality to perform both machining and cutting operations. The holder can be positioned in different orientations (first position for machining, second position for cutting) and includes both a machining surface and a cutting surface with V-shaped groove. This universal design eliminates the need for separate specialized fixtures, improving productivity while maintaining operational precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If the workpiece is transferred between two workpiece holders, then machining and cutting can be performed separately, but positioning accuracy decreases due to displacement of the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the machining holder and cutting holder into one integrated workpiece holder. This single holder includes both a machining surface for initial clamping and a cutting surface with a V-shaped groove for final cutting support. By eliminating the need to transfer the workpiece between separate holders, the invention maintains high positioning accuracy while reducing device complexity through consolidation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the remaining part is not supported during cutting, then the cutting process can proceed, but the remaining part may fall and damage the machined part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing targeted support specifically where needed during cutting. The cutting holder includes a V-shaped groove that locally supports the remaining part of the blank during the cutting operation. This localized support prevents the remaining part from falling and damaging the machined component, while avoiding the need for complex overall removal mechanisms. The support is precisely positioned to match the geometry of the workpiece being cut.
Data Source
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AI summary
The holder (7) has a retractable interior element and an exterior mountable element (3) for assembling and positioning a raw piece, where the raw piece includes a useful part (2) that is machined and cut to provide a desired piece. The interior element maintains the position of the useful part, and the exterior element maintains a remaining part (16) of the raw piece. One of the elements is displaced under a control of control software such that the interior element is advanced relative to the exterior element for finishing of the useful part. An independent claim is also included for a method for producing a desired piece from a raw piece.