Threaded Tooling Base for Precise Fixture Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tooling bases are complex, costly, and time-consuming to manufacture, requiring multiple precision parts and machining steps, and lack optimal pull-down force for maintaining precise registration and easy reattachment of tooling fixtures during machining processes.
Innovation Solution
A tooling base design featuring a base housing with alignment studs and clamping fixtures that utilize a threaded shaft to securely attach and detach tooling fixtures, allowing for precise registration and easy reattachment while minimizing the number of parts and simplifying the manufacturing process, with improved pull-down force for better workpiece hold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional tooling bases use multiple precision parts and machining steps, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated tooling base structure that includes built-in alignment features and clamping mechanisms. The base integrates alignment studs, clamping arms, and threaded fasteners as unified components rather than separate parts, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining precision registration capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The tooling base is designed with universal features that can accommodate various tooling fixtures through standardized alignment studs and clamping mechanisms. The single base structure serves multiple functions: providing a stable work surface, ensuring precise alignment through integrated studs, and enabling secure fixture attachment through built-in clamping arms, eliminating the need for multiple specialized components.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional tooling bases use multiple precision parts, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment studs and clamping features are pre-integrated into the base structure during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. The base is delivered as a pre-configured unit with all alignment and clamping features already in place, reducing on-site assembly time while maintaining precision registration.
3Reliability
If conventional tooling bases are designed for secure attachment, then workpiece hold stability is improved, but ease of operation for removal and reattachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism uses threaded arms that can be dynamically adjusted between clamped and released states. The threaded fasteners allow for quick engagement and disengagement of fixtures while maintaining secure holding force during machining operations, enabling rapid fixture changes without compromising registration stability.
4Ease of operation
If conventional tooling bases lack optimal pull-down force, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base is pre-designed with optimally positioned and sized clamping features that provide the necessary pull-down force to maintain fixture stability during machining. The integrated clamping arms and threaded fasteners are configured to apply appropriate clamping force automatically when engaged, ensuring both ease of operation and precision registration without requiring additional adjustment steps.
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 design enables easy and precise reattachment of tooling fixtures while maintaining machining accuracy, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost, and providing a robust hold on workpieces through optimized clamping mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a shaft having a first threaded region and a second threaded region, wherein the first threaded region fits inside the first threaded hole of the first clamping fixture, and the second threaded region fits inside the second threaded hole of the second clamping fixture, whereby: rotation of the shaft in a first direction causes the first clamping fixture and the second clamping fixture to move towards each other along the axis of the shaft
Implementation Method 2
each of the first clamping fixture and the second clamping fixture comprising one or more securing mechanisms configured to: engage the indentation on the alignment studs of the tooling fixture upon rotation of the shaft in the first direction, thereby securing the alignment studs within the tooling holes and clamping the tooling fixture to the base housing
Data Source
AI summary
An improved tooling, including: a base housing having an interior and tooling holes, the tooling holes being configured to receive alignment studs attached to a tooling fixture; a first clamping fixture and a second clamping fixture fit inside hollowed regions within the base housing; a shaft having a length and an axis along the length of the shaft, the shaft situated inside the base housing and the shaft having a first threaded region and a second threaded region to connect the first clamping fixture and the second clamping fixture, whereby rotation of the shaft causes the first clamping fixture and the second clamping fixture to move towards and away from each other along the axis of the shaft; each of the first clamping fixture and the second clamping fixture comprising one or more securing mechanisms configured to: engage and disengage the alignment studs based upon rotation of the shaft.