Tool-Mounted Structural Positioning for Workpiece Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional external tooling methods for securing and positioning workpieces during manufacturing operations are cumbersome, time-consuming, costly, and prone to interference with the tool path, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
Tool-mounted structural positioning devices that integrate directly with the tooling device, featuring engagement mechanisms aligned with the tool's path to securely position workpieces without external clamps, ensuring constant alignment as the tool moves along a predefined path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If external tooling methods are used to secure and position workpieces, then workpiece positioning is achieved, but setup time increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positioning device with the tooling device into an integrated assembly. The positioning device is mounted directly to the tooling device, allowing both positioning and tooling functions to be performed by a single integrated system, thereby eliminating separate external tooling setup and reducing overall setup time while maintaining positioning accuracy
2Reliability
If external holding elements are used to secure workpieces, then workpiece securing is achieved, but the elements may interfere with the tool path requiring stopping and starting
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the positioning device with the tooling device, the holding elements are positioned in coordination with the tool path. The integrated design allows the positioning and tooling operations to be performed simultaneously without interference, eliminating the need to stop and start operations to remove or reposition holding elements
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device is designed to be dynamically adjustable and reconfigurable. The engagement mechanisms can be adjusted to accommodate different workpiece geometries and tool paths, allowing continuous operation without interruption while maintaining reliable workpiece securing
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional external tooling is used, then workpiece positioning is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single positioning device assembly that combines positioning, holding, and tooling capabilities. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and systems needed, thereby simplifying the overall tooling system while maintaining precise workpiece positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing positioning, securing, and tooling operations through its integrated engagement mechanisms. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized external tooling devices, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining positioning precision
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of tool mounted structural positioning devices and techniques are described. In one embodiment, a positioning device includes mountings to mount the device directly to a tool device configured to travel a path and perform a manufacturing operation on an element. Engagement mechanisms coupled to the positioning device are aligned to the predefined path and are configured to exert a clamping force upon the element such that the element is secured and positioned by the positioning device in constant relation to the predefined path as the operations are performed.