Hybrid modular fixturing platform
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional welding tables lack flexibility and modularity, limiting their ability to accommodate various workpiece configurations and sizes efficiently, which can lead to reduced precision and increased costs due to the need for multiple tables for different tasks.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid modular fixturing platform with a frame assembly and interchangeable modular mounting brackets that allow for continuous, spaced, or hybrid working surface configurations, enabling the platform to be reconfigured for different applications and accommodating various workpieces with a rigid and accurate array of fixturing holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional welding table with fixed surface configuration is used, then the table provides structural stability, but it lacks flexibility to accommodate various workpiece configurations and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The welding table surface is divided into multiple interchangeable surface plates that can be removed and replaced based on workpiece requirements. Each surface plate contains a pattern of holes for fixturing, and different plate configurations can be used to accommodate various workpiece sizes and shapes, providing flexibility without requiring a completely different table for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The table is designed with universal mounting features and a standardized hole pattern that allows the same base table to support multiple surface plate configurations. This multi-functional design enables a single table to serve various welding applications by simply changing the surface plates, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tables.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed welding tables are used for different tasks, then each table can be optimized for its specific function, but the cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single welding table is designed to perform multiple functions through the use of interchangeable surface plates. The standardized mounting system allows different plate configurations to be used on the same table, enabling it to accommodate various workpiece sizes and types, thereby replacing the need for multiple specialized tables and reducing both cost and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The table configuration is made dynamic and changeable rather than fixed. Surface plates can be quickly removed and replaced to adapt to different workpiece requirements, allowing the table to transform its working surface characteristics as needed. This dynamic reconfigurability enables one table to do the work of several fixed tables.
3Area of stationary object
If surface plates are continuously connected to form a complete working surface, then the working area is maximized, but access to workpiece areas beneath the surface is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous working surface is segmented into removable surface plates. This segmentation allows operators to remove specific plates to access workpiece areas beneath when needed, while maintaining the option to install complete plate sets when maximum continuous working surface area is required. The segmented design provides flexibility to balance surface area availability with access requirements based on the specific task.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, method and apparatus for a fixturing platform having a frame assembly configured to couple to a support assembly with a plurality of surface plates configured to couple to the frame assembly in a number of configurations are described in this disclosure. The configurations include a continuous configuration with abutting surface plates forming a continuous working surface and a spaced configuration with spaced surface plates forming a spaced working surface, the spaced configuration have one or more working gaps between surface plates.