Replaceable Fixture Plate for Automated Workpiece Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine tools lack automation in the replacement of workpiece fixing mechanisms, requiring manual intervention and limiting the efficiency of processing.
Innovation Solution
An automatically replaceable fixture plate with a post and main plate body, integrated with a tightening and loosening mechanism, allowing for pneumatic or hydraulic operation, which can be clamped or released from a saddle in a machine tool, and featuring multiple fixing holes for secure attachment of workpieces or fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual replacement of chucks and clamps is used in conventional machine tools, then the structure remains simple, but automation level and productivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture system is segmented into modular components: fixture plates with different fixing mechanisms (chucks, clamps, vises) that can be independently selected and replaced. Each fixture plate is a self-contained module that mounts to the saddle via a standardized post interface, enabling automated replacement while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The saddle is designed with a universal post interface that can accommodate multiple types of fixture plates (with chucks, clamps, vises, or direct fixing holes). This universal interface allows a single saddle structure to perform multiple fixing functions through interchangeable fixture plates, achieving automation without increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixing mechanisms are permanently installed, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture system transitions from static permanently-installed mechanisms to dynamic interchangeable fixture plates. The automated replacement mechanism enables the system to adapt its fixing capability based on workpiece requirements, with fixture plates being mounted or removed as needed rather than all mechanisms being permanently installed simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fixing mechanisms are nested within the fixture plate structure. Each fixture plate contains its own integrated fixing mechanism (chuck, clamp, vise, or fixing holes), which is a self-contained unit that mounts to the saddle. This nesting allows versatility without requiring separate mounting structures for each mechanism.
3Productivity
If manual fixing method is used, then device structure is simple, but labor cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation of mounting and removing chucks and clamps is replaced by an automated replacement mechanism. The system uses a standardized post interface with tightening and loosening mechanisms that can be actuated automatically, substituting manual labor with automated mechanical operation while maintaining the mechanical fixing function.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatically replaceable fixture plate is configured to be mounted onto a saddle and is configured to directly fix a workpiece or mount a fixture for fixing the workpiece. The automatically replaceable fixture plate has a post and a main plate body. The post is configured to be clamped or released by a tightening and loosening mechanism of the saddle for being fixed to or detached from the saddle. The main plate body is fixedly connected to the post and has multiple fixing holes to make the main plate body fixed with respect to the workpiece or the fixture via bolts. With the post and the main plate body, the automatically replaceable fixture plate allows a machine tool to automatically replace the means of fixing the workpiece.