Tooling Base Ejector Mechanism for Easy Fixture Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tooling bases face difficulties in easily removing tooling fixtures due to binding issues with machining robots and contamination in the precision zone, which impedes proper registration and attachment.
Innovation Solution
A tooling base with pneumatically-activated ejector components that move upwards to push the tooling fixture away from the base, allowing easier removal and cleaning of the precision zone using compressed air to clear particulates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tooling fixtures are mounted directly to the bed or work surface of the milling machine, then the work piece can be held securely and precisely, but removal of the tooling fixture becomes difficult to de-couple from the tooling base
Solution Approach 1:
The tooling base is segmented into multiple functional components: a base housing containing registration holes, a clamping system with independently adjustable clamping devices, and ejector components. This segmentation allows the clamping function to be separated from the registration function, enabling secure holding during machining while facilitating easy removal through the ejector mechanism that pushes the fixture away from the base.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector components are pre-positioned within the base housing in a ready state. When removal is needed, the ejector components are activated to preliminarily push the tooling fixture away from the base, creating initial separation that makes subsequent removal by machining robots or operators significantly easier, thus resolving the contradiction between secure holding and easy removal.
2Extent of automation
If machining robots are used to handle tooling fixtures, then automation is improved, but binding issues occur during removal due to difficult de-coupling from the tooling base
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector components perform a preliminary action by automatically pushing the tooling fixture away from the base before the machining robot attempts to remove it. This pre-separation eliminates the binding issues that would otherwise prevent robotic handling, thereby enabling full automation without compromising ease of removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector components act as an intermediary mechanism between the tooling base and the machining robot. Instead of the robot directly grappling with a tightly bound fixture, the ejector component mediates by creating initial separation, allowing the robot to easily grasp and remove the fixture, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the precision zone on the tooling base surface is used for registration, then alignment accuracy is maintained, but contamination from particulates impedes proper registration and attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector components perform a preliminary cleaning action by pushing against the tooling fixture during the ejection process, which helps clear particulates from the precision zone on the base surface. This preliminary cleaning maintains registration accuracy for subsequent fixture attachments, resolving the contradiction between maintaining precision and preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection mechanism serves a dual function: it not only removes the tooling fixture but also simultaneously cleans the precision zone by dislodging particulates through the pushing action. This self-service cleaning maintains alignment accuracy without requiring separate cleaning operations, resolving the contradiction between precision maintenance and contamination prevention.
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
Facilitates easier removal of tooling fixtures and ensures proper registration by clearing particulates, reducing downtime and improving efficiency in machining processes.
Implementation Method 1
a spring coupled to the first end of the body to an actuator housed within the tooling base
Data Source
AI summary
An improved tooling base, including: a base housing having an interior and registration holes, the registration holes being configured to receive alignment studs attached to the tooling fixture; a clamping system fit into the interior of the base housing, wherein the clamping system comprises a first device configured to secure, when adjusted to a first position, the tooling fixture to the tooling base via interaction with an indentation on each of the alignment studs and configured to release, when adjusted to a second position, a hold on the indentation on the alignment studs, thereby enabling removal of the tooling fixture from the tooling base; and one or more ejector components positioned in the base, whereby movement of an actuator causes the one or more ejector components to move upwards such that a portion of the one or more ejector components extends out from a top surface of the base.