Template Support With Movable Locking Rail for Sheet Metal Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece supporting systems in manufacturing, such as those used in the automotive industry, face challenges in securely and efficiently supporting sheet metal panels during transit and processing, particularly in preventing deformation and denting, and in providing flexible and efficient mechanisms for template member placement, securing, and storage.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing system comprising a template support with a structural member, a fixed rail, and a movable locking rail, where template members are removably coupled using recesses and rails, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement, and featuring a unique contour to match the workpiece's underside, enabling proper support and easy storage through cross-pivoting linkages or telescopic rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gauge slice templates are secured to the master template with a locking rail that is rotated 90 degrees, then the template members are securely fixed to the template support, but the mechanism becomes complex and time-consuming to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking rail is made movable between a locked position (engaging the template member) and an unlocked position (disengaged from the template member). The rail can be shifted laterally by a movable support structure, allowing dynamic transition between secured and released states without complex rotational mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support structure automatically positions the locking rail into engagement with the template member when moved to the locked position, and self-disengages when moved to the unlocked position. The system uses its own movable support to operate the locking mechanism without external intervention
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple template members are used to support the workpiece at different locations, then the workpiece is properly supported to prevent deformation, but the time required to attach and remove each template member increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple template members are combined with a common movable support structure that can simultaneously engage and disengage all template members. The movable support acts as a single unit that operates all locking rails at once, allowing multiple template members to be attached or removed in one motion rather than individually
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the template members into removable units that can be independently positioned at different locations along the master template, while being collectively operated by the movable support. This allows selective placement of template members where needed without requiring the entire system to be reconfigured
3Reliability
If the locking rail is held in a fixed position on the template support, then the template members can be securely locked, but the mechanism requires more space and becomes harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking rail is transformed from a fixed component to a dynamic one that can move laterally between engaged and disengaged positions. The movable support structure provides the motion capability, allowing the locking rail to be positioned exactly where needed for engagement and then moved away to release, making operation simple and intuitive
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support structure serves multiple functions: it positions the locking rail for engagement, provides the locking force when engaged, and enables easy release by moving the rail away. This single component performs what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanisms, simplifying operation
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing includes a template support and a plurality of template members. The template support comprises a structural member, a first rail, and a second rail. The first rail is coupled to the structural member, and is positioned outward of the first side of the structural member and extends parallel with the structural member. The second rail is movably coupled to the structural member and is normally biased outward to an outward position in which second rail is parallel with the structural member. Each template member is coupled to the template support when the first rail is positioned in a first recess thereof and the second rail is in the outward position in a second recess thereof, and is removable from the template support when the second rail is in an inward position and out of the second recess.