Modular Universal Holding Fixture for Aircraft Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current holding fixtures in aircraft manufacturing are costly and complex, with limited ability to accommodate a wide range of workpiece contours, geometries, and configurations, and often require expensive active linear actuators for precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A modular universal holding fixture system featuring a fiducial base, registration frame, and bridge modules that allow for transverse movement and repositioning of tooling, using vertically adjustable linear actuators and a gantry-mounted multi-axis head, enabling precise positioning and accommodating various workpiece configurations with less expensive passive linear actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed machine bed pattern with limited tooling mounting locations is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the adaptability to accommodate various workpiece contours and geometries is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture is divided into modular components including a machine bed, multiple bridge modules, and tooling devices that can be independently positioned and configured. Each bridge module can be separately adjusted along the machine bed, allowing the system to adapt to various workpiece geometries without requiring a completely different fixture design for each part type.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture incorporates dynamically adjustable elements such as bridge modules that can move along the machine bed and tooling devices with adjustable positioning mechanisms. This dynamic capability allows the fixture to reconfigure itself for different workpiece sizes and shapes, transitioning from a static fixed pattern to a flexible adaptive system.
2Manufacturing precision
If active linear actuators are used for precise positioning, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tooling devices are equipped with self-positioning capabilities through adjustable mechanisms that allow them to locate and secure themselves relative to the workpiece and bridge modules. This self-service positioning reduces the need for complex active linear actuators while maintaining adequate positioning precision for manufacturing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces expensive active linear actuators with simpler mechanical positioning mechanisms such as adjustable supports, locators, and manual or semi-automated positioning systems. This substitution maintains manufacturing precision while significantly reducing system complexity and cost.
3Productivity
If a fixed number of tooling mounting locations are provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is limited due to inability to accommodate future part families
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge modules and machine bed are designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate multiple types of tooling devices at various positions. The system can serve multiple part families and production requirements through a single configurable fixture setup, eliminating the need for dedicated fixtures for each part type and thereby increasing overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular universal holding fixture and corresponding methods, accommodating a wide range of workpiece contours, geometries, sizes, and configurations. The fixture may include a fiducial base, a registration frame, and a bridge module. Fixable to a fiducial (reference) location, the fiducial base may be attached in alignment to the registration frame. The bridge module may have a central cavity and guide tracks on top, exterior, and interior support surfaces. The bridge module transversely engages the registration frame for longitudinal movement to a registration position, and supports a tooling for transverse movement. The bridge module may repositionably constrain the tooling at an indexed position. The bridge module may be configured to engage multiple types of tooling and additional tooling headers, supports, and side actuators. A tooling may be passive linear actuators positioned by a N/C operated gantry engaged with the registration frame.