Support Device with Dual-Axis Rotation for Curved Workpiece Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support devices for machining processes are costly and inflexible, requiring numerous custom-designed holding devices for various products, and struggle to securely attach to workpieces with curved surfaces due to passive adaptation methods that can deform under pressure and fail at large inclination angles.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a mechanism comprising a supporting main body, angle rotation units, height adjustment, and a driver motor unit, allowing active attachment to workpieces by adjusting rotation angles and height, and a multiplexer-based control system that simplifies the control of multiple driver motor units, reducing the need for individual controllers and enabling automatic arrangement conforming to workpiece curves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional passive holding means with suction cups are used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the suction cups cannot effectively attach to workpiece surfaces with large inclination angles or complex curves
Solution Approach 1:
The support device employs a universal joint mechanism that enables dynamic adaptation to workpiece surfaces. The first and second angle rotation units allow the absorbing unit to actively adjust its orientation in multiple directions, transforming the static suction cup into a dynamic attachment system that can conform to complex curved surfaces while maintaining stable contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is divided into modular components: the supporting main body, first angle rotation unit, second angle rotation unit, and absorbing unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as an integrated system, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If specifically designed holding devices are developed for each product, then the holding precision is improved, but the production cost increases significantly and the production line flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed as a universal holding device that can accommodate multiple different workpieces through its adjustable angle rotation units and movable absorbing unit. Instead of requiring dedicated holding devices for each product type, this single device can be reconfigured to provide precise holding for various workpiece geometries, thereby maintaining holding precision while enabling production line flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves adaptability to different workpieces by changing its geometric parameters - specifically the rotation angles of the first and second angle rotation units and the position of the absorbing unit. These parameter adjustments allow the same physical device to conform to different workpiece shapes and sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the universal joint is rotated to increase attachment angle capability, then the attachment range is improved, but the vacuum suction cups may be obstructed and cannot function normally
Solution Approach 1:
The solution adds a second rotation dimension through the second angle rotation unit, which rotates the supporting main body around its own axis. This second dimensional freedom allows the system to achieve large attachment angle capability while keeping the absorbing unit's orientation relative to the workpiece surface within the functional range required for effective vacuum suction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support devices are used to cover various workpiece shapes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and storage space requirements increase tremendously
Solution Approach 1:
By equipping each support device with dual angle rotation units and a movable height adjustment mechanism, the device becomes universal and can be configured to support various workpiece shapes and sizes. This eliminates the need to maintain multiple different holding devices in inventory, as a single configurable device can replace several specialized devices.
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 solution enables stable and cost-effective attachment of support devices to various workpieces, including those with complex curves, reducing production time and costs by allowing for flexible and efficient adjustment and control of multiple devices without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The driver motor unit includes a first driving element, a second driving element and a third driving element. The first driving element is coupled to the first angle rotation unit for driving the first angle rotation unit to adjust a rotation angle of the absorbing unit.
Implementation Method 2
most support devices available today are designed as a universal joint with suction cups for adapting the same passively to the curves of a workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A support device includes a supporting main body, a first angle rotation unit, a second angle rotation unit, a height adjustment structure, an absorbing unit and a driver motor unit. The absorbing unit is pivotally connected to the first angle rotation unit. The driver motor unit includes a first driving element, a second driving element and a third driving element. The first driving element drives the first angle rotation unit to adjust a rotation angle of the absorbing unit. The second driving element drives the second angle rotation unit for enabling the supporting main body to rotate around an axial thereof. The third driving element drives the height adjustment structure for enabling the supporting main body to move along the axial thereof. In addition, an support unit system and a support unit control system are also provided.