Removable Fixture with Non-Contact Coupling for Rapid Part Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturing systems require physical attachment and re-orientation of workpiece holders for each part, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when transitioning between low-force or non-contact processes like laser marking, welding, and inspection.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a removable part holding and aligning fixture that uses a non-contact rotational coupling, allowing for rapid replacement and orientation of parts without mechanical or electrical connections, utilizing motors, programmable controllers, and sensors for precise alignment and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a workpiece holder is physically attached to a rotary drive for part manipulation, then the part can be oriented and rotated to appropriate angles, but the setup time increases when transitioning between different parts or manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the workpiece holding function from the rotary drive function. The rotary drive remains fixed and attached to the machine, while the workpiece holder is segmented into a separate, removable fixture that can be quickly exchanged without moving the drive system. This segmentation allows the drive to remain in place while fixtures are rapidly swapped.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-contact coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the fixed rotary drive and the removable workpiece fixture. This coupling uses magnetic or capacitive fields to transmit rotational motion without physical contact, allowing the fixture to be attached and detached without mechanical interference with the drive system.
2Productivity
If a non-contact coupling is used between the rotary drive and workpiece holder, then fixture replacement becomes rapid and efficient, but the transmission of rotational power and torque becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact coupling with non-contact coupling mechanisms such as magnetic fields or capacitive coupling. This substitution eliminates the need for physical connectors, keys, or mechanical interfaces between the drive and fixture, enabling rapid fixture changes while transmitting rotational power through field-based interactions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple workpiece holders are used on a single rotary drive, then part versatility increases, but the complexity of aligning and orienting each holder increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates universal, interchangeable fixtures that can all be mounted on the same rotary drive interface. Each fixture is designed with standardized alignment features and non-contact coupling interfaces, allowing multiple different workpiece holders to be used on a single drive without requiring complex reconfiguration or realignment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for manufacturing parts that includes a base having therein one or more motors, an electrical power input port and a connector for connection to a general purpose programmable controller, and including a removable part holding and aligning (or presenting) fixture which can hold and rotate one or more parts to a specific location. The machine can include a tool for performing a process on a part. The machine can include a programmed general purpose controller that can control the operation of the machine during a manufacturing process.