Orientable Workpiece Support Heads with Dual-Axis Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece supporting systems struggle to effectively orient and stabilize complex, non-flat workpieces like double curvature panels during machining, particularly when one dimension is significantly less than the others, and fail to adapt to different shapes and sizes without causing deformation or damage.
Innovation Solution
A supporting system with orientable heads that utilize a combination of linear actuators and rotatable elements with two degrees of freedom, allowing for precise positioning and orientation of workpieces through adjustable elevation and panning angles, and featuring a vacuum grip mechanism to securely engage workpieces of varying shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of linear actuators with suction cups are used to support workpieces, then the system can be made universal and programmable for different workpiece shapes, but the system fails to effectively orient and stabilize complex non-flat workpieces like double curvature panels
Solution Approach 1:
The head is made dynamically adjustable through a coupling mechanism with at least two degrees of freedom, allowing it to change orientation in space. The linear actuator moves the head along its axis while the coupling enables rotational adjustment, transforming a static support system into a dynamic one that can adapt to complex workpiece geometries while maintaining stable engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is segmented into distinct functional components: the linear actuator for positional adjustment, the coupling mechanism for orientation adjustment, and the head for workpiece engagement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the coupling providing specialized rotational capability that resolves the contradiction between versatility and stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the head is made orientable with two degrees of freedom to grip complex shapes, then the system can accommodate different shapes and sizes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling acts as an intermediary mechanism between the simple linear actuator and the orientable head. Rather than making the entire head assembly complex, the coupling serves as a dedicated rotational joint that provides the necessary two degrees of freedom while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and maintainable.
3Ease of operation
If the head is adjusted to various orientations during machining, then effective gripping of vertical portions is permitted, but the system requires complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The head's orientation is made dynamic through the coupling mechanism, allowing it to adapt to vertical or near-vertical portions of workpieces. The coupling's two degrees of freedom enable the head to tilt and rotate as needed, providing ease of operation for gripping complex geometries while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supporting a workpiece is disclosed, wherein several heads with a suction cup define an engaging and supporting surface that is at least partially shaped like the workpiece. Each head with suction cup is coupled by a ball joint with a first movable element of a vertical linear actuator and is couplable by a removable fitting with a fork carried by a second movable element that rotates around a rotation axis that is coaxial with the axis of the linear actuator. The second movable element carries an abutment, spaced from the center of the ball joint against which the suction cup head abuts and moved by the linear actuator to perform the adjustment of the orientation thereof around the ball joint.