Compact Multi-Station Vise for Dense CNC Array Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tooling fixtures for CNC machining are too large and bulky to be arranged into a dense array, limiting their ability to securely and precisely clamp multiple workpieces, thus requiring multiple sequential machining events and increasing tool change intervals.
Innovation Solution
A compact, multi-station fixture vise design featuring a central fixed vise jaw with movable jaws that slide on metal support rods and are drawn together by a vise screw, utilizing compression springs for bias force, allowing for secure clamping of workpieces and easy assembly into arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional vises with fixed center block and movable jaws are used, then workpieces can be clamped securely, but the vises become too large and bulky to be arranged into a dense array
Solution Approach 1:
The vise is segmented into a central fixed jaw and multiple movable jaws that can independently clamp workpieces. This segmentation allows the vise to maintain a compact form factor while providing secure clamping at multiple stations simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between small size and reliable clamping.
2Productivity
If traditional large vises are used, then individual workpieces can be clamped precisely, but multiple sequential machining events are required increasing tool change intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-station vise provides multi-functionality by enabling simultaneous clamping of multiple workpieces at different stations. This allows the CNC machine to process multiple workpieces in a single machining event rather than requiring sequential processing, thereby improving productivity and eliminating tool change intervals between workpieces.
3Productivity
If compact multi-station vise is implemented, then workpieces can be presented in single machining event, but complex mechanism with multiple movable jaws and springs is required
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple compression springs are merged onto a single vise screw mechanism, allowing simultaneous actuation of multiple movable jaws through one screw. This merging approach achieves the productivity benefit of multi-station clamping while reducing the number of independent control mechanisms required, thereby managing device complexity.
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
Enables efficient and precise clamping of multiple workpieces in a compact format, reducing tool change intervals and facilitating high-volume machining by allowing workpieces to be presented in a single machining event, thereby improving machining efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Compression springs mounted on the vise screw provide a bias force that causes the movable vise jaws to be drawn simultaneously towards and away from the fixed central vise jaw as the vise screw is rotated
Implementation Method 2
The movable vise jaws slide on metal support rods that are press fit into the central fixed vise jaw
Data Source
AI summary
A tooling fixture that provides a compact, multi-station fixture vise is described. The design provides a compact, tooling fixture that is easily assembled into multi-unit arrays for machining of large volumes of workpieces. Variations of design include the ability to hold two separate pieces to be machined by one fixture, to hold a single piece in each fixture and to attach an array of the fixtures to a base for simultaneously machining and array of parts.