Modular Fixture Plate Alignment With Magnetic Keystone Docking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manufacturing and inspection processes face challenges in achieving precise and repeatable positioning of workpieces due to the complexity and inflexibility of traditional fixture plate systems, which often require multiple plates and configurations, increasing the likelihood of incorrect positioning and reducing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A modular fixture plate system that includes recessed corners for keystones, allowing for quick magnetic attachment and flexible configurations such as L or T shapes, along with a rail system and hard stops for secure positioning, enabling rapid setup and repeatable placement of workpieces across a worksurface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple fixture plates are used to cover the work surface, then the coverage area increases, but the positioning accuracy decreases due to increased likelihood of incorrect positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvework surface coverageVSAvoidworkpiece positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The work surface is divided into multiple modular fixture plates that can be independently positioned and configured. Each plate contains standardized threaded holes and docking features that enable precise alignment when assembled together, maintaining positioning accuracy while covering larger surface areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixture plates incorporate universal docking stations and standardized hole patterns that allow any plate to be positioned at any docking station across the work surface. This universality ensures consistent positioning accuracy regardless of which plate or docking station is used, while enabling comprehensive coverage of the entire work surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixture plates are made flexible and rearrangeable, then the adaptability increases, but the positioning reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixture plate configuration flexibilityVSAvoidworkpiece positioning reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Docking stations serve as intermediary reference features between fixture plates and workpieces. These docking stations provide fixed, reliable reference points that ensure consistent positioning regardless of plate rearrangements. The standardized interface between plates and docking stations maintains positioning reliability while allowing flexible reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

All fixture plates use identical hole patterns, docking features, and dimensional specifications. This homogeneity ensures that any plate positioned at any docking station will maintain the same positioning accuracy and reliability, enabling flexible rearrangement without compromising positioning consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional fixture plate systems are used, then the positioning precision can be maintained, but the setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece positioning precisionVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Fixture plates are pre-configured with standardized threaded hole patterns and docking features during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site measurements and adjustments, allowing rapid setup while maintaining positioning precision through the pre-established geometric relationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from custom-fit fixture plates requiring precise manual positioning to standardized plates with fixed dimensional parameters. This parameter standardization enables quick identification and placement of plates at docking stations, dramatically reducing setup time while maintaining positioning accuracy through the standardized reference framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 modular system provides flexible and repeatable setups, reducing the need for multiple fixture plates, enhancing positioning accuracy, and increasing efficiency by allowing for quick reconfiguration and reduced setup time, thus improving the overall manufacturing and inspection processes.

Implementation Method 1

Fixture plates include magnets for providing a secure attachment to keystones, rails and other fixture plates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11969847B2Modular fixture plate alignment system

Publication Date: 2024.04.30 METROLOGYWORKS INC

AI summary

A modular fixture plate system includes fixture plates and docking stations for securing the fixture plates to a worksurface. Fixture plates include recessed corners for receiving keystones. A keystone may be used as a docking station in addition to or instead of a corresponding rail system. Fixture plates include magnets for providing a secure attachment to keystones, rails and other fixture plates to allow for rapid loading of parts and plates on any CMM or manufacturing system. Fixture plates are designed to be stacked multiple wide to fill the table and maximize coverage of a work surface. The keystone design allows a user to create L configurations or T configurations of plates from a single docking location.