Quick-Release Machining Fixture for Stuck Workpiece Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In remanufacturing, workpieces often become stuck to fixtures during machining operations, leading to potential damage when manually removed with hammers, which compromises the integrity of the workpiece and poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A fixture with a quick release lever that includes a handle for manual engagement and a contact surface to displace workpieces, allowing for safe and efficient removal without damaging the workpiece or fixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a workpiece is securely clamped to a fixture during machining operations, then machining precision is improved, but workpiece removal becomes difficult and may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture employs a dynamic quick-release mechanism that transitions from a locked state during machining to an unlocked state for removal. The release lever system allows the workpiece to be securely held during operations and quickly released when needed, resolving the contradiction between secure clamping and easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
A quick-release lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the workpiece and the fixture body. This lever system provides a controlled method to overcome the clamping force without requiring direct impact forces from hammers, enabling easy removal while protecting the workpiece from damage.
2Force
If traditional hammering methods are used to remove stuck workpieces, then removal force is sufficient, but workpiece surface and structure are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release lever serves as a mediator that translates small manual forces into sufficient release force through mechanical advantage. This eliminates the need for hammering while providing enough force to overcome the stuck condition, thereby preserving workpiece surface integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the brute-force mechanical system of hammering with a controlled mechanical release system. The lever-based quick-release mechanism provides a refined method to apply force selectively and controlledly, avoiding the uncontrolled impacts that damage workpiece surfaces.
3Manufacturing precision
If workpieces are firmly secured during high precision machining, then machining quality is improved, but safety risks increase due to difficult removal
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture incorporates a dynamic quick-release system that allows operators to quickly transition from a secure locked state to an unlocked state. This reduces the time workers spend dealing with stuck workpieces and eliminates the need for dangerous hammering operations, thereby improving workplace safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release lever acts as a safety intermediary that provides a controlled, predictable method for workpiece removal. This eliminates the need for operators to use hammers or other dangerous tools, reducing safety risks while maintaining machining quality through proper workpiece securing.
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 the secure and precise removal of workpieces from machining fixtures, maintaining their integrity and safety by avoiding the use of hammers, thus enhancing the efficiency and quality of the remanufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a quick release lever mounted to the fixture and configured to displace the workpiece from the seat
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture for supporting a workpiece during a machining operation is disclosed. The fixture may include a seat configured to receive the workpiece. The fixture may further include a quick release lever mounted to the fixture and configured to displace the workpiece from the seat.