Modular tooling fixture with interchangeable panel defining a tooling surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tooling fixtures are heavy, bulky, and inflexible, requiring substantial capital equipment for movement and storage, occupying large spaces, and being difficult and expensive to repair or modify for design changes.
Innovation Solution
A modular tooling assembly with a base, releasably coupled frames, and a panel secured by a vacuum system, allowing for quick reconfiguration by changing sets of frames and panel interchangeability, enabling support of various contours and profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional tooling fixtures are used, then structural stability is maintained, but weight increases and mobility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture is divided into modular components including a base, multiple frames that can be selectively coupled, and interchangeable panels. Each frame includes support members with positioning features, allowing the system to maintain stability through proper modular assembly while reducing overall weight compared to conventional integral fixtures.
2Strength
If conventional integral tooling is used, then structural rigidity is maintained, but adaptability for design changes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture transitions from a static integral structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. Frames can be selectively coupled and decoupled from the base, and panels can be interchanged between frames. Positioning features on support members allow adjustment of frame positions, enabling the system to adapt to different design requirements while maintaining structural rigidity when assembled.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conventional tools are stored, then part fabrication capability is maintained, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular fixture system serves multiple functions through a single base and frame set. By interchanging panels between frames and reconfiguring frame positions on the base, the system can fabricate multiple different parts without requiring separate dedicated fixtures for each part type, significantly reducing storage space requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tooling is modified for design changes, then functionality is updated, but repair and modification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture is segmented into interchangeable panels and reconfigurable frames. When design changes are required, only the specific panel needing modification must be replaced or adjusted, rather than modifying the entire fixture. This reduces modification costs and simplifies repair operations.
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 tooling assembly reduces storage needs, lowers costs by allowing only specific components to be replaced, and enhances flexibility in supporting different parts, thus optimizing space and reducing maintenance expenses.
Implementation Method 1
a panel releasably coupled to the frames
Data Source
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AI summary
A tooling assembly is provided, for use with a panel defining a tool-side surface and the tool-side surface defining a profile. The tooling assembly includes a base (20), a plurality of support members (28) fixedly attached to the base (20), a plurality of frames (22) each defining a corresponding upper surface (34). Each of the support members (28) is releasably coupled to a corresponding one of the frames (22) by a fastening system (78). The plurality of frames (22) are configured to releasably couple to the panel (24), and the upper surfaces (34) of the frames (22) are each shaped to correspond with a portion of the profile of the tool-side surface (32) of the panel (24). A securing system (38) is configured to provide a suction force that releasably secures the panel (24) against the upper surface (34) of the frames (22). The base (20) includes a pair of bars (72) and a plurality of bars (74) mounted along the pair of bars (72), wherein the frames (22) slide on bars (72).