Modular Workholding Fixture for Complex Part Inspection Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current workholding solutions for coordinate measuring machines are expensive, time-consuming, and lack a one-size-fits-all approach, as they require unique methods for each component geometry, especially during final inspection where complex geometries present challenges in accessing all features simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A modular workholding system featuring a workpiece interface with a complementary shape to the target portion, made from thermoplastic, and a base with magnetic and dowel alignment features, allowing for secure coupling to a clamping system, enabling efficient handling of components with complex geometries and facilitating interchangeable use without setup changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional workholding methods (clamping, screwing) are used for flexible parts, then the parts can be held during manufacturing, but the parts bend non-uniformly and deflect beyond acceptable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vacuum holding (a pneumatic principle) to replace traditional mechanical clamping methods. The vacuum chuck creates a uniform suction force across the entire surface of flexible parts, holding them securely during manufacturing operations without causing localized bending or deflection that would occur with point-loaded clamps or screws.
2Adaptability or versatility
If unique workholding solutions are developed for each component operation, then each operation can be optimized, but the development becomes expensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal vacuum chuck design that can accommodate multiple component types and operations. By using a standardized vacuum holding mechanism with adjustable positioning, the same basic workholder can be used across different manufacturing operations and for different component geometries, eliminating the need to create unique workholding solutions for each operation while maintaining operational optimization.
3Reliability
If traditional workholding fixtures are designed for each component geometry, then the component can be held securely, but the manufacturing cost increases due to lack of standardization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a standardized vacuum chuck design that serves multiple component geometries through adjustable positioning and universal mounting interfaces. This single versatile workholder design replaces the need to manufacture custom fixtures for each component type, significantly reducing tooling costs while maintaining secure holding capability through vacuum application.
4Reliability
If comprehensive inspection of all component features is performed, then complete quality assurance is achieved, but multiple workholding setups are required which increases inspection time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universal vacuum chuck design to inspection operations, where a single workholder can accommodate components in various orientations and positions. This allows all features of a component to be inspected during one setup rather than requiring multiple reconfigurations, reducing inspection time while maintaining complete quality assurance coverage.
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 system provides a cost-effective, flexible, and efficient means to securely hold components with complex geometries, allowing for comprehensive inspection without the need for multiple workholding setups, enhancing accessibility and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The workpiece interface is shaped and sized, relative to the target portion of the workpiece, to provide a compressive force on the target portion of the workpiece when the workpiece is disposed in the workpiece interface
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of base magnets coupled to the base. That plurality of base magnets are arranged in a base pattern to match a corresponding pattern of storage magnets arranged on a storage plate
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.