Re-configurable Tooling System Magnetic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tooling systems for supporting and positioning bodies to be machined, especially those with low structural rigidity, are costly, time-consuming to set up, and lack flexibility, often requiring complex mechanical designs and being limited to specific types of machines.
Innovation Solution
A re-configurable tooling system with a non-ferromagnetic reference plane and movable re-configurable elements, utilizing a sliding system with magnetic attraction and rotary engaging devices for precise positioning, along with a control section for height adjustment and verification, allowing for easy setup and adaptation to various machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dedicated tooling systems with special dimensional accuracy are used to support bodies to be machined, then the positioning accuracy and support stability are improved, but the manufacturing cost and design complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The tooling system is divided into multiple re-configurable elements that can be independently positioned and adjusted on the reference plane. Each element can be moved to different locations and heights, allowing the system to be segmented into functional modules that can be reconfigured for different body types and machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tooling system transitions from a static, dedicated design to a dynamic, re-configurable system. The re-configurable elements can be moved and repositioned during operation, allowing the same system to adapt to different bodies and machining requirements, thereby reducing design complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If dedicated tooling systems are manufactured with special dimensional accuracy, then the support stability for rigid bodies is improved, but the manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tooling system is designed as a universal system that can support various types of bodies through reconfiguration of standard elements. Instead of manufacturing dedicated tooling systems for each body type, the same set of re-configurable elements can be arranged differently to support multiple body types, significantly reducing manufacturing time while maintaining support stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains support stability by changing the positional parameters and configuration of re-configurable elements rather than manufacturing new components. By adjusting the position, height, and arrangement of existing elements, the system can adapt to different support requirements without additional manufacturing time.
3Ease of operation
If re-configurable elements are locked on the reference plane using magnetic means, then the positioning speed and ease of operation are improved, but the adaptability to different machine types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic locking mechanism is extracted from the reference plane itself and transferred to the re-configurable elements. This allows the reference plane to remain neutral and compatible with different machine types, while the magnetic means are integrated into the elements that can be easily removed and repositioned, maintaining both positioning speed and machine adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the re-configurable elements and the reference plane. It provides temporary, reversible attachment that enables quick positioning and adjustment, while allowing the elements to be removed and repositioned on different machine types without permanent modification to the reference plane.
4Loss of time
If the measuring machine itself configures the tooling system automatically, then the setup time is reduced, but the measuring machine complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The re-configurable elements are designed to be self-positioning on the reference plane through simple manual or automated placement mechanisms. The elements themselves contain the positioning and locking features, allowing them to be configured without requiring complex integrating mechanisms in the measuring machine, thereby reducing machine complexity while maintaining quick setup.
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 system supports bodies with low structural rigidity effectively, is cost-effective, easy to manufacture and set up, and offers high flexibility, enabling quick and simple positioning on any type of machine tool.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic element (21) adapted to interact with said magnetic stopping means of said first portion (11) in order to move said re-configurable elements (10) on said reference plane (2)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a re-configurable type tooling system (1) for supporting and positioning a body to be machined, said tooling system (1) comprising: a reference plane (2); a plurality of re-configurable elements (10), in particular of the column type, comprising a first portion (11) suitable for positioning the re-configurable element (10) on the reference plane (2) and fitted with magnetic stopping means, and a second portion (12) which is movable perpendicularly to said reference plane (2) and to said first portion (11); moving means (20) for moving said re-configurable elements (10) relative to the reference plane (2). The invention is characterized in that said moving means comprise a sliding system (20) located under said reference plane (2), said sliding system (20) comprising at least one magnetic element (21) adapted to interact with said magnetic stopping means of said first portion (11) in order to move said re-configurable elements (10) on the reference plane (2).