Modular Workholding Clamps for Complex Part Fixturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional work holding systems for machine tools are limited in their ability to securely hold a wide variety of shapes and sizes, particularly complex and delicate parts, due to their fixed number of T-slots, which can lead to distortion and increased costs for custom solutions, making them inefficient for low-volume production.
Innovation Solution
A modular work holding system with a base plate featuring multiple T-slots aligned along various axes and the use of versatile clamping devices such as pivoting clamps and wedge clamps, allowing for secure holding of workpieces with complex geometries and enabling rapid adjustment and repeatable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional T-slot tables with fixed number of grooves are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to hold various complex shapes and sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is segmented into multiple independent T-slot grooves arranged in different patterns (concentric circles, radial lines, orthogonal grids, hexagons, etc.), allowing selective use of different slot configurations depending on the workpiece geometry and clamping requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate integrates multiple T-slot patterns simultaneously, making it universally applicable to various workpiece shapes and sizes without requiring custom fixtures for each application
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom work holding solutions are created for specific applications, then the adaptability to hold complex parts is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single base plate design incorporates multiple T-slot patterns that can accommodate various workpiece geometries, eliminating the need to manufacture separate custom fixtures for different applications
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the clamping configuration by selecting different T-slot patterns and adjusting clamp positions, providing customization without requiring physical modification or new manufacturing
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional clamping methods are used on limited T-slots, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision is compromised due to inability to properly hold complex geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate divides the clamping function into multiple independent T-slot segments arranged in specific geometric patterns, allowing precise positioning and clamping of complex workpiece geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The T-slot grooves are arranged in asymmetric patterns (concentric circles, radial lines, hexagons) that match the asymmetric nature of complex workpiece geometries, enabling accurate holding of non-standard shapes
4Productivity
If conventional work holding systems are used, then the setup time for basic shapes is acceptable, but the time required to secure and remove workpieces increases for complex geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is pre-configured with multiple T-slot patterns in various geometric arrangements, so that the appropriate clamping configuration is already in place and ready for different workpiece types, eliminating setup time
Data Source
AI summary
A workholding clamp for securing a workpiece to a work surface comprised of a fixed body secured to the work surface and having a first inclined surface; a sliding jaw having a second inclined surface residing against and parallel to the first inclined surface, a clamp face and at least one obround opening; and at least one clamping fastener residing within the at least one obround opening and being tightened to cause the second inclined surface to slide against the first inclined surface. A workholding pivot clamp for securing a workpiece to a work surface, and a work stop for reliably locating a workpiece relative to a work surface are also described.