Radial Fixture Assembly for EBPVD Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
EBPVD coating systems face inefficiencies in workpiece positioning and production capacity, requiring improved fixtures to enhance coating process efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fixture assembly with a shaft and radially positioned workpiece support surfaces, secured by a shaft mounting structure, spacers, and end flanges, allowing for efficient alignment and secure mounting of workpieces in EBPVD coating machines, enabling consistent spacing and rotation for uniform coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional workpiece positioning fixtures are used in EBPVD coating systems, then the coating process can be performed, but production capacity and coating efficiency remain insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture assembly is divided into multiple independent fixtures (first fixture, second fixture, etc.) that can be separately mounted on the shaft. Each fixture has its own workpiece support surface and shaft mounting structure, allowing individual optimization and easy replacement without affecting other fixtures, thereby increasing production capacity while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixtures are designed with standardized shaft mounting structures that can be universally mounted on the rotating shaft. The same fixture design can support different workpieces (combustor panels, turbine blades, etc.) by adjusting the workpiece support surface configuration, enabling multi-functionality and increasing productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple workpieces are positioned on a rotating shaft for coating, then coating efficiency increases, but maintaining consistent spacing and alignment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fixtures are pre-configured with shaft mounting structures that define precise mounting positions on the rotating shaft. The workpiece support surfaces are pre-positioned at predetermined locations, ensuring that when workpieces are mounted, they automatically achieve the required consistent spacing and alignment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a standardized mounting system where precision is achieved through the design of the shaft mounting structure and workpiece support surface geometry. The fixtures use simple mounting features (such as keyed connections or定位 features) that inherently maintain precise spacing and alignment, substituting complex mechanical control with well-designed mechanical interfaces.
3Manufacturing precision
If workpieces are secured firmly to the shaft for rotation, then coating uniformity improves, but the complexity of the mounting structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixtures are designed to self-align and self-secure on the rotating shaft through their shaft mounting structures. The mounting structures include features that automatically position the fixtures correctly and secure them firmly during rotation without requiring complex external securing mechanisms. This self-service capability ensures firm workpiece securing while minimizing mounting structure complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If fixtures are designed with precise workpiece support surfaces for uniform coating, then coating quality improves, but fixture manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex workpiece support surface is segmented into manageable fixture components that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. Each fixture can be manufactured using standard machining processes, and the precise geometry is achieved through modular design elements that can be produced with conventional manufacturing methods, balancing coating quality requirements with ease of manufacture.
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
The fixture assembly enhances workpiece positioning and coating efficiency by maintaining consistent spacing and secure alignment, optimizing the use of coating machine capacity and ensuring uniform coating of workpieces, particularly in EBPVD systems.
Implementation Method 1
In EBPVD processes, workpieces are positioned in a closed chamber and an electron beam is impinged upon a source of material which is to be vaporized and then deposited upon the workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture assembly for supporting workpieces in a coating process includes a shaft; and a plurality of fixtures each having a workpiece support surface and a shaft mount defining a shaft mounting structure, wherein the shaft mounting structure extends from the workpiece support surface such that, when the shaft mounting structure is engaged with the shaft, workpiece support surfaces of the fixtures are positioned facing radially outwardly away from the shaft.