Movable Clamp Assembly for Deformation-Controlled Workpiece Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional workpiece processing systems face challenges in efficiently processing materials with varying rigidity and cross-sectional shapes, leading to potential deformation and damage, especially when using tools like drills and milling machines, and require multiple stops for processing, which reduces throughput and increases the need for separate machines.
Innovation Solution
A system with a movable clamp assembly that adjusts along a processing path to clamp and support the workpiece within a work zone, allowing tools to move along the workpiece's length, reducing deformation risk and enabling simultaneous processing of multiple surfaces, with the clamp movement determined by the workpiece's properties or the process forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If tools are located at fixed locations along the workpiece length, then the system structure is simple, but the workpiece must be stopped multiple times at different positions, reducing processing speed and throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The tool assembly is made movable along the workpiece length instead of being fixed, allowing a single tool position to service the entire workpiece by moving the workpiece through the tool zone, eliminating multiple stops and improving throughput
Solution Approach 2:
A single movable tool assembly performs multiple processing operations (drilling, milling, countersinking) on different portions of the workpiece during continuous movement, replacing the need for multiple fixed tool stations
2Productivity
If the workpiece extends into the work zone without sufficient support, then processing can be performed in an extended work zone improving throughput, but the workpiece may deflect significantly and permanently deform under tool pressure forces
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly moves into the work zone before the tool assembly to clamp and support the workpiece in advance, preventing deflection and deformation when the tool applies pressure forces during processing
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly acts as an intermediary support element between the workpiece and the tool assembly, providing mechanical support to the workpiece during the processing operation to prevent excessive deflection
3Adaptability or versatility
If a clamp assembly is stationary at a fixed position, then the clamp structure is simple, but it cannot support workpieces at different locations along the processing path, limiting versatility for different workpiece types and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is made movable along the processing path, allowing it to position itself at different locations to support various workpiece types and sizes, enhancing system versatility without requiring multiple stationary clamps
Data Source
AI summary
A system (40) is provided for processing a workpiece (44). The system (40) includes a support surface (48) for supporting the workpiece (44) and defining a processing path (P) along which the workpiece (44) may travel relative to the system (40). The system (40) includes at least one tool (64a, 64b, 64c) for performing a process on the workpiece (44) that is movable in a work zone (WZ) along a predetermined length (L) of the workpiece (44) in a direction along the processing path (P). The system (40) includes a movable clamp assembly (80) having opposing clamping pads (84, 88) movable into and out of the work zone (WZ) along the processing path (P) to clamp a portion of the workpiece (44) located in the work zone (WZ) prior to the at least one tool (64a, 64b, 64c) performing a process on the workpiece (44).