Modular Workholding Plate With Radial Pin Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for machine tools require manual positioning and locking of pieces, limiting access to all surfaces, necessitating multiple repositioning and re-locking operations, which can lead to precision errors and potential damage, especially in Job-Shop production environments where products are unique and varied.
Innovation Solution
A modular structure with a flat work plate and adjustable fixing elements featuring pins and jaws that allow radial and axial locking, enabling simultaneous access to multiple surfaces and reducing the need for frequent repositioning and re-locking, while being adaptable to different shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking devices with vertical spacer elements and horizontal supports are used, then stable locking in place is achieved, but all surfaces of the piece cannot be accessed for working
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into multiple independent fixing elements, each capable of locking the workpiece from different directions. This segmentation allows simultaneous access to multiple surfaces while maintaining stable locking, as each fixing element can be positioned independently to lock different faces of the workpiece.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces multi-directional fixing elements that can lock the workpiece from horizontal, vertical, and diagonal directions simultaneously. By adding dimensional diversity to the locking approach, the system achieves stable locking while leaving all surfaces accessible for machining operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual positioning and locking operations are performed repeatedly for different surfaces, then all surfaces can be worked on, but time is lost and precision errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece is initially positioned with high precision using the modular fixing elements, and this positioning is maintained throughout the entire machining process. The fixing elements are designed to preserve the initial positioning while allowing access to all surfaces, eliminating the need for repeated repositioning and associated time losses and precision errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing elements are designed with universal functionality to accommodate machining operations on all surfaces of the workpiece simultaneously. Each fixing element can be adjusted and positioned to lock the workpiece in a way that provides access to multiple surfaces, making the system versatile for multi-surface processing without requiring repeated setup changes.
3Manufacturing precision
If qualified labor is used for delicate positioning and centering operations, then precision is improved, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular fixing elements incorporate self-centering and self-positioning features that automatically align the workpiece without requiring skilled manual intervention. The design includes built-in reference surfaces and adjustment mechanisms that guide the workpiece into the correct position, allowing unqualified labor to achieve high positioning precision and reducing dependency on skilled operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing elements provide adjustable parameters for positioning and locking, allowing the system to adapt to different workpiece sizes and shapes while maintaining precision. These adjustable parameters enable unqualified workers to achieve accurate positioning by simply adjusting the fixed elements rather than requiring delicate manual centering skills.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular structure, particularly for supporting blanks, which comprises at least one flat plate which has a plurality of seats which can be integrally and removably associated with at least one portion of a blank to be worked on by way of fixing elements, which comprise a fixing element that has at least one lower portion which can be faced towards the plate and which is provided with at least one pin which can be engaged, respectively, with a seat of the plate, and can be inserted along its axis in a cavity defined by a lower portion through a hole with a substantially elongated shape along a predefined direction and is substantially perpendicular with respect to the axis of the pin.