Rotatable Modular Fixturing Platform for Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current welding tables lack flexibility and modularity, making it difficult to efficiently configure and reconfigure working surfaces for various welding tasks, and they often require multiple fixtures and tools, which can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable fixturing platform with a modular design, featuring a rotisserie and extensible frame with mounting brackets, allowing for the rotation and reconfiguration of multiple modular fixturing platforms, which can be easily attached and detached, and integrated with a servo motor and axle assembly for automated rotation, enabling efficient use of space and tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional welding table is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the flexibility and modularity for reconfiguring working surfaces are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The welding table is divided into modular components including multiple fixturing platforms that can be independently positioned and configured on the table surface, allowing flexible reconfiguration for different welding tasks while maintaining overall structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The fixturing platforms are made rotatable on the welding table surface, transforming the static conventional table into a dynamic system that can be reconfigured during operation to adapt to different workpiece orientations and welding positions
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixturing platforms are added to increase versatility, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fixturing platforms with identical or similar designs are used across the welding table, each capable of the same functions (supporting workpieces, allowing rotation, providing fixturing holes). This universal approach increases versatility while controlling complexity through standardization and interchangeability of components
3Productivity
If automated rotation mechanisms are added, then the productivity and precision improve, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixturing platforms are designed to be manually rotatable by the operator without requiring complex automated mechanisms. This self-service approach allows efficient repositioning and reconfiguration while avoiding the added complexity and cost of motorized or automated rotation systems
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 modular design provides a flexible and efficient working surface that can be easily reconfigured for different tasks, reducing costs and improving the precision and efficiency of welding operations by allowing for continuous, spaced, or hybrid working surfaces, and enabling the use of a single platform for multiple functions.
Implementation Method 1
The extensible frame includes a plurality of support assemblies and a plurality of extensible arms. Each extensible arm extends from one of the support assemblies and has a bearing.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for a rotatable fixturing platform having a rotisserie, a modular fixturing platform, and a mounting assembly. The rotisserie includes a base with an extensible frame. The extensible frame includes a plurality of support assemblies and a plurality of extensible arms. Each extensible arm extends from one of the support assemblies and has a bearing. The mounting assembly includes a plurality of mounting brackets coupled to the fixturing platform and an axle assembly. The axle assembly is secured to bearings of the extensible arms.