Modular Fixture Plate Assembly for Precise Workpiece Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixture plate systems for manufacturing and inspection processes are inflexible, requiring custom designs for different machines and wasting space due to one-piece construction, leading to inventory issues and long lead times, and are not adaptable to varying workpiece sizes or forces applied during processes like quality inspection and light-duty manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A modular fixture plate system comprising interlocking plates with male and female projections and recesses, allowing for customizable assembly to fit specific workpiece sizes and forces, with magnetic interlocking for easy setup and teardown, and a removable qualifying ball plate for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If one-piece fixture plates are used to ensure stability and simplicity, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to accommodate different workpiece sizes and machine configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture plate is divided into multiple modular segments that can be individually selected and assembled. Each segment contains standardized mounting locations, allowing the system to maintain precise positioning through standardized interfaces while adapting to different workpiece sizes by selecting appropriate segment combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular segments are designed with universal mounting patterns and standardized interfaces that allow the same components to be used across different configurations and machine types. This enables a single set of modular components to serve multiple functions and accommodate various workpiece sizes without requiring custom-designed fixture plates for each application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom fixture plates are manufactured for different inspection machines to ensure proper fit, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The modular fixture plate system employs universal mounting interfaces and standardized segment designs that can be used across multiple inspection machine types. This allows the same modular components to be adapted to different machines through configuration rather than custom manufacturing, significantly reducing inventory complexity and eliminating the need to maintain separate custom fixture plate inventories for each machine.
3Adaptability or versatility
If large fixture plates are provided to accommodate various workpiece sizes, then adaptability is improved, but resource usage worsens due to unused surface area
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing a single large fixture plate with unused areas, the system segments the fixture into multiple smaller modular units. These segments can be assembled to match the actual dimensions of each workpiece, ensuring that only the necessary surface area is utilized. This eliminates waste of fixture plate surface area while maintaining the ability to accommodate various workpiece sizes through selective assembly.
4Ease of operation
If modular fixture plates are used to improve adaptability and reduce inventory, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity worsens due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture system is segmented into standardized modular components with consistent interfaces and mounting patterns. While this creates multiple physical components, the standardization enables rapid assembly through repeatable procedures and reduces the cognitive complexity of setup. Operators can quickly configure fixtures by selecting pre-defined segment combinations rather than dealing with custom, non-standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular fixture components are designed to be easily assembled and disassembled for each production run. After use, the segments can be quickly removed, recovered, and stored for future applications. This temporary assembly approach enables fast setup and teardown while maintaining a compact inventory of reusable modular components, balancing operational ease with component management.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular fixture plate system comprising:at least one interlocking fixture plate comprising at least one of a male end and a female end, wherein the male end comprises at least one male projection and the female end comprises at least one female recess; anda docking plate comprising at least one of at least one male projection and at least one female recess;wherein at least one male projection or female recess of the at least one interlocking fixture plate is interlocked with a mating one of the at least one male projection or the at least one female recess of the docking plate.