Modular Work Support Using Interchangeable Spacers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work support arrangements for thin-walled components lack flexibility, requiring dedicated fixtures for each component, which is inconvenient and time-consuming for machining processes, especially when components have similar geometry but different sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A modular work support arrangement using posts, mounting blocks, and spacers with a C-shaped design that allows adjustable positioning of support ends through interchangeable spacers and hydraulic or pneumatic piston systems, enabling quick reconfiguration without complete disassembly to accommodate various component sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dedicated support arrangements are provided for each component, then manufacturing precision is improved by avoiding distortion, but device complexity increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support arrangement is divided into modular components: mounting blocks with posts, interchangeable spacers, and support ends. Each module can be independently selected and combined to create the appropriate support configuration for different component sizes and geometries, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal mounting block assembly with multiple posts and interchangeable spacers can support various component types and sizes. The spacers with different thicknesses allow the same basic structure to accommodate different component dimensions, eliminating the need for dedicated support arrangements for each component variant.
2Manufacturing precision
If dedicated support arrangements are provided for each component, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases during changeover
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple spacers with different thicknesses are pre-prepared and stored for quick selection. The mounting blocks and posts are pre-assembled in a universal configuration. When changing between component types, the appropriate spacer is simply inserted into the pre-prepared mounting structure, eliminating the need to reassemble the entire support arrangement and significantly reducing changeover time while maintaining machining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular design with spacers is used, then adaptability is improved for different component sizes, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacers are designed to fit within the mounting blocks and between the posts, creating a nested structure. The C-shaped spacers envelope the posts while being contained within the mounting block assembly. This nesting approach allows multiple spacer sizes to be stored within the same footprint and simplifies the assembly process, as each spacer simply needs to be inserted into its designated location between posts.
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
This modular design allows for efficient and flexible support of components with different dimensions and geometries, reducing changeover time and preventing distortion during machining by maintaining rigidity and avoiding the need for extensive disassembly of hydraulic or pneumatic systems.
Implementation Method 1
the support ends are laterally displaceable by a hydraulic or pneumatic piston device
Data Source
AI summary
It is necessary to support components while machining is performed. In such circumstances work supports are now provided, whilst previously there was a dedicated arrangement for each component to be supported. By achieving a modularity in terms of adjustment through creating mountings comprising rings, arcs or bars secured upon posts a rigidity of presentation of support ends is achieved. By providing spacers for location about the posts on the mountings variability with regard to the positioning of the support ends is achieved such that similar geometry but different sized components and articles can be supported by the support arrangements. Furthermore, the spacers may be readily removed if C shaped, and the rings, arcs or bars can be shifted.