Modular Fixture Plates for Precise Workpiece Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fixture plate systems for manufacturing and inspection processes are inflexible, requiring custom designs for different machines and sizes, leading to inventory issues and inefficiencies, as they are typically one-piece designs that do not accommodate varying workpiece sizes effectively, resulting in underutilization of the workbed area and increased lead times.
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, with docking plates and magnets for secure positioning without the need for tools, enabling fast and repeatable setups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If one-piece fixture plates are used to ensure stable positioning, then positioning reliability is improved, but adaptability to different workpiece sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture plate is divided into multiple modular segments that can be individually selected and combined. Each segment contains standardized positioning features and workpiece-holding elements, allowing the system to adapt to different workpiece sizes while maintaining reliable positioning through consistent modular interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular fixture plate system creates a universal platform that can accommodate various workpiece sizes and inspection requirements. By using standardized segments with consistent positioning features, the same basic module can serve multiple functions across different application scenarios.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom fixture plates are manufactured for different inspection machines, then positioning precision is improved, but manufacturing lead time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing custom one-piece fixture plates for each machine, the system segments the fixture into standardized modules that can be quickly assembled. This eliminates the need for time-consuming custom manufacturing while maintaining positioning precision through standardized design features.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular fixture plates are pre-manufactured with standardized positioning features and workpiece-holding elements during off-line production. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid deployment and setup on inspection machines without requiring time-consuming custom manufacturing when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If large fixture plates are provided to accommodate all workpiece sizes, then adaptability is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture system is segmented into multiple smaller modular plates that can be selectively assembled to match the actual workpiece size. This eliminates the need to use large fixture plates for small workpieces, optimizing workbed area utilization while maintaining adaptability through modular reconfiguration.
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 facilitates lean manufacturing principles by allowing for quick and easy setup of fixture assemblies, reducing resource usage, enhancing equipment value, and enabling efficient positioning of workpieces across various processes like quality inspection, laser marking, and light-duty manufacturing, with the ability to swap out plates easily and maintain accurate positioning.
Implementation Method 1
docking plate and magnets for secure positioning
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.