Machining Palette With Interlocking Soft Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated machining systems require frequent recalibration when switching between workpieces, leading to increased downtime and reduced productivity due to variations in workpiece placement caused by compressive forces applied by soft jaws, which introduce friction and torque, affecting the accuracy of cuts in CNC machining.
Innovation Solution
A high throughput machining palette system with a body featuring slots, grooves, and locking blocks that provide precise and reproducible positioning of workpieces, using mechanical interlocking features and adjustable fasteners to minimize recalibration needs, ensuring accurate placement and reducing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a soft jaw is used to apply compressive force to the workpiece, then the workpiece can be held securely, but friction and torque increase causing rotational movement and variations in workpiece placement
Solution Approach 1:
A Teflon® liner is introduced as an intermediary between the soft jaw and the workpiece. This liner reduces friction while maintaining the compressive force, preventing rotational movement and ensuring accurate workpiece placement during machining operations
Solution Approach 2:
The coefficient of friction is changed by introducing a Teflon® liner material with low friction properties. This parameter change allows the soft jaw to maintain compressive force while eliminating the harmful friction that causes workpiece rotation and placement variations
2Manufacturing precision
If the automated machining system is recalibrated for each new workpiece, then cutting accuracy is maintained, but downtime increases reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
Workpieces are pre-positioned on palettes with precise定位 features before being loaded into the automated machining system. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for recalibration between workpieces, maintaining cutting accuracy while maximizing productivity by allowing continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical palettes with the same precise positioning features are used, allowing the system to switch between palettes without recalibration. Each palette is a copy with identical positioning characteristics, enabling continuous high-volume production while maintaining consistent cutting accuracy
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 palette system allows for precise and reproducible positioning of workpieces, minimizing recalibration requirements and increasing machining throughput and quality by maintaining accurate placement across multiple workpieces without the need for continuous system recalibration.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge block has an angled surface such that movement of the wedge block perpendicular to the top surface applies a lateral force to a floating block
Implementation Method 2
A locking block engages with a locking block backing member located in the slot
Data Source
AI summary
A palette for an automated machining system includes a body, a plurality of fasteners configured to apply a force laterally to body to fasten the body to a receiver in the automated machining system, and a soft jaw mechanism connected to the body. The soft jaw includes one or more locking blocks that are anchors for a floating block and wedge block that apply a force to hold a workpiece at a reproducible location between the one or more locking blocks. The floating block is configured to not engage with the body, workpiece, or wedge block beyond friction and/or compressive forces.