Support Blade Fixture Layout for Precision Machining Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In precision manufacturing, conventional workpiece fixtures often suffer from interference and damage due to overlapping machining patterns and inadequate clearance, leading to reduced precision and shortened functional lifetimes.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing a target workpiece fixture using a generic material fixture and precision processing sheet material to form support blades with interstices positioned where the target pattern and support loci coincide, minimizing unnecessary clearances and interference during the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fixtures use regular triangular crenallations with fixed blade spacing, then structural support is provided, but overlap with machining patterns occurs causing fixture damage and reduced precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the spacing between support blades along their length, creating zones of different support density. The spacing is reduced in regions requiring stronger support and increased in regions where machining operations occur, allowing each local area to have optimized properties for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the blade spacing adjustable or variable rather than fixed. The spacing between support blades can be modified based on the specific machining pattern and workpiece requirements, allowing the fixture to adapt to different manufacturing scenarios and avoid overlap with machining paths.
2Strength
If blade spacing is reduced to increase structural support, then support strength improves, but overlap with machining patterns increases causing more fixture damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform blade spacing where blades are closer together in regions requiring support strength and farther apart in regions where machining operations occur. This local variation in spacing allows the fixture to provide strong support where needed while minimizing overlap and damage in machining zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the support structure into multiple individual blades with variable spacing rather than a continuous support surface. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each blade's position and spacing, enabling the fixture to provide discrete support points while leaving clearances in machining areas to prevent damage.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If blade spacing is increased to reduce machining overlap, then fixture lifetime extends, but structural support and workpiece stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing variable blade spacing where closer spacing provides stability in regions requiring workpiece support and wider spacing extends fixture lifetime in regions subject to machining. Each local zone is optimized for its specific requirement rather than using uniform spacing throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the blade spacing configuration to be adjusted or optimized for each specific application. The spacing can be dynamically modified based on the workpiece geometry, machining pattern, and support requirements, enabling the fixture to maintain stability while extending its functional lifetime through reduced overlap.
4Stability of the object's composition
If uniform clearances are provided below the workpiece, then workpiece movement is limited, but unnecessary gaps are created reducing machining precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing non-uniform clearances between the workpiece and fixture, with smaller clearances in regions requiring stability and larger clearances removed in regions where machining operations occur. This local optimization eliminates unnecessary gaps that would reduce machining precision while maintaining stability where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the taking out principle by removing unnecessary clearances or gaps from regions where machining operations will occur. By selectively eliminating these excess spaces while maintaining necessary clearances in non-machining areas, the fixture achieves both workpiece stability and high machining precision without unnecessary gaps affecting accuracy.
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
This approach reduces collateral machining, enhances precision, and extends the functional lifetime of the fixture by precisely positioning interstices to match the machining pattern, improving the accuracy and efficiency of the precision manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam is focused on a workpiece so as to heat the surface, causing material to be melted or sublimated away
Implementation Method 2
causing material to be melted or sublimated away
Implementation Method 3
causing material to be melted or sublimated away
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods of manufacturing a workpiece fixture (10) and also a target material fixture (10), for use in precision manufacturing processes. A sheet material is supported on a generic material fixture (10) and the sheet material precision processed to form support blades (16, 18) for a target workpiece fixture (10). Each support blade (16, 18) has a support locus and interstices are positioned in the support loci where a target pattern and the support loci coincide. Thus, there are no unnecessary clearances between the workpiece support (10) and the workpiece. The interstices that are present are located only where necessary to reduce or eliminate any interference between the precision manufacturing process and the fixture (10), when it is used in a precision process involving the target pattern.