Modular Bumper Holding Fixture for Multi-Model Punching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding devices for polymeric motor vehicle bumpers are not flexible enough to accommodate different bumper models, requiring separate machines and significant space and capital investment for spare parts production.
Innovation Solution
A receiving device with independently movable fixing arms and side units, adaptable to various bumper models through contact contour matching and vacuum fixation, allowing multiple bumper models to be processed on a single machine by selectively positioning and activating fixing arms and side elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a holding device is adapted to a specific bumper model, then fixing precision is improved, but adaptability to different bumper models deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is divided into multiple independent fixing arms (at least four), each with its own contact contour adapted to a specific bumper model. This segmentation allows selective activation of individual fixing arms based on the bumper model being processed, thereby maintaining high fixing precision for each model while enabling adaptability across multiple models.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing arms are designed to be independently movable between a retracted position and a working position. This dynamic capability allows the holding device to adapt its configuration based on the specific bumper model being processed, enabling a single device to handle multiple bumper models with different geometries while maintaining optimal fixing precision for each.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate punching machines are used for each bumper model, then fixing precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is designed as a universal fixture capable of processing multiple bumper models (at least four different models) on a single punching machine. By equipping the device with multiple independently movable fixing arms, each adapted to a specific bumper model, the system achieves multi-functionality that eliminates the need for separate punching machines for each model, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements while maintaining fixing precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixing arms are provided for different bumper models, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is segmented into multiple independent fixing arms that can be selectively activated. Each fixing arm is a self-contained unit with its own contact contour and movement mechanism, allowing the system to handle multiple bumper models without requiring a completely different configuration for each model, thereby managing device complexity through modular independence.
Solution Approach 2:
Each fixing arm is equipped with its own drive mechanism (such as a piston-cylinder unit) that enables independent movement between retracted and working positions. This self-service capability allows the fixing arms to be automatically positioned and activated based on the bumper model being processed, reducing the need for complex external control systems and managing device complexity through decentralized control.
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
Enables flexible and precise processing of various bumper models on a single device, reducing capital and space requirements while ensuring secure fixation for machining operations.
Implementation Method 1
The fixing arms each have at least one vacuum fixing element in the area of the contact contour, which is connected to a preferably central vacuum system
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a holding device for fastening polymeric motor-vehicle bumpers (1) during a machining operation, in particular a punching operation, comprising a main frame (2) and a fastening device (3) for fastening the bumper (1) on the main frame (2). According to the invention, the fastening device (3) has at least one fastening-arm group (4, 5, 6) having at least two fastening arms (7, 8, 9, 10) movable independently of each other for different bumper models (1), wherein the fastening arms (7, 8, 9, 10) have different contact contours (7', 8', 9', 10') that lie against the corresponding bumper model (1) in the fastening position and the contact contour (7', 8', 9', 10') of each fixing arm (7, 8, 9, 10) is matched to the local shape of a specific bumper model (1).