Tooling Pivot for Flexible Part Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing part locating fixtures are inflexible and require modification or rebuilding to accommodate differently sized and shaped parts, necessitating multiple fixtures for various manufacturing operations, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A tooling pivot system comprising a bracket, a rotatable tooling plate, a motor, a brake, and a controller, allowing the tooling plate to pivot and hold tools in multiple operating positions, enabling secure location and clamping of parts with varying configurations through controlled motion and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed part locating fixtures are used for different part sizes and shapes, then each part can be accurately located and clamped, but the device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single locating fixture that can accommodate multiple part sizes and shapes by making the locating pins and clamps adjustable. The fixture serves universal functions through adjustable components rather than requiring separate fixtures for each part type, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locating pins and clamps are designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed. This dynamic design allows the same fixture to adapt to different part configurations by repositioning components, eliminating the need for multiple fixed fixtures and reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple part locating fixtures are required for various manufacturing operations, then all part configurations can be handled, but the loss of time and productivity decrease due to fixture changes and rebuilding
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable locating pins and clamps allow rapid reconfiguration of the fixture for different part types without requiring fixture changes or rebuilding. This dynamic adaptability maintains productivity by eliminating downtime associated with switching between multiple fixed fixtures
3Reliability
If fixed pins and clamps are used for part location and clamping, then parts can be securely held in place, but the ease of operation decreases when adapting to different part configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The locating pins and clamps are designed to be adjustable and repositionable, allowing operators to easily adapt the fixture to different part configurations while maintaining secure holding. This dynamic design improves ease of operation without compromising the reliability of part fixation
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
Enables the secure location and clamping of parts with various configurations, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in manufacturing and assembly operations by allowing a single system to handle multiple part sizes and shapes without the need for multiple fixtures.
Implementation Method 1
The motor is connected to the bracket and to the tooling plate and is configured to rotate the tooling plate to an operating position
Implementation Method 2
The brake is connected to the bracket and is configured to hold the tooling plate in the operating position
Data Source
AI summary
A tooling pivot is configured to pivot and to hold a tool in a plurality of operating positions. The tooling pivot includes a bracket, a tooling plate, a motor, a brake, and a controller. The tooling plate is connected to the bracket, connectable to the tool, and rotatable. The motor is connected to the bracket and to the tooling plate and is configured to rotate the tooling plate to an operating position. The brake is connected to the bracket and is configured to hold the tooling plate in the operating position. The controller is connected to the motor and to the brake and is configured to control the motion and position of the tooling plate and to control the holding of the tooling plate. The brake is configured to release the tooling plate when the motor rotates the tooling plate to the operating position.