Modular Workholding Fixture for Complex Part Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workholding solutions for coordinate measuring machines are expensive, time-consuming, and lack a one-size-fits-all approach, particularly for components with complex geometries, making it difficult to constrain and inspect all features simultaneously during final inspection.
Innovation Solution
A modular workholding apparatus with a workpiece interface shaped to complement the target portion of the workpiece, coupled to a base with complementary alignment features, allowing secure attachment to a clamping system, and fabricated using thermoplastic materials via 3D printing, enabling efficient and cost-effective constraining of complex geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional workholding solutions (clamps, screws, vacuum holding) are used for components with complex geometries, then the component can be held during inspection, but the development is expensive and time-consuming with no one-size-fits-all approach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal workholding system where a single base fixture can accommodate multiple different workpieces through interchangeable adapters. Each adapter is customized to a specific workpiece geometry while the base remains standardized, allowing one fixture to serve multiple functions across different inspection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The workholding system is divided into separate modular components: a standardized base fixture and interchangeable adapters specific to each workpiece. This segmentation allows the complex adaptation task to be distributed across multiple simple, specialized components rather than requiring one complex custom fixture per workpiece.
2Reliability
If custom workholding solutions are developed for each component operation, then the component can be properly constrained for that specific operation, but the development process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized base fixture is designed and validated in advance to provide reliable workholding capabilities. This preliminary preparation of the universal base allows rapid deployment of new workholding solutions by simply adding pre-designed adapters rather than developing complete custom fixtures for each new component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains workholding reliability by changing only the adapter parameters (geometry, contact points, securing mechanisms) specific to each workpiece while keeping the base fixture parameters constant. This selective parameter modification preserves the proven reliability of the base while adapting to new component variations.
3Productivity
If traditional workholding methods are used for final inspection, then components can be inspected, but setup changes are required between different components reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized base fixture serves as a universal platform that can hold multiple different workpieces through interchangeable adapters. During final inspection, operators can quickly swap adapters between workpieces without changing the base fixture or measurement setup, maintaining consistent productivity across diverse component inspections.
4Force
If flexible parts are clamped or screwed down applying point loads, then the parts can be held, but they bend non-uniformly and deflect beyond acceptable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter interfaces with flexible parts using distributed contact surfaces rather than point loads. This approach accommodates the flexibility of the workpiece while maintaining uniform contact pressure that prevents non-uniform bending and deflection, preserving dimensional accuracy during inspection.
Data Source
AI summary
A workholding apparatus for components having complex geometries or surfaces, which components are difficult constrain for the purpose of inspection, addresses the problem of adequately constraining such components in a convenient and cost-effective manner so that they do not move during inspection, while also making all or most critical features accessible to the inspection instruments being used. A method teaches how to eliminate setup changes between different components through the use of inexpensive modular attachments. These attachments are in the form of a single piece thermoplastic part which is affixed to each component having also reference features that can be interlocked into a common base fixture for more efficient inspection operations.