Vacuum Gripper Attachment for Stable Machine Tool Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for securing machine tool assemblies to work surfaces of workpieces during operations are inadequate, as they often rely on templates that are not properly secured to the work surface, leading to instability and reduced precision.
Innovation Solution
The use of a gripper attachment with a conformable foam seal on machine tool assemblies, which activates a vacuum source to draw a vacuum on the work surface, securely vacuum clamping the machine tool assembly to the work surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a template is used to guide machine tool operations, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the template is not securely attached to the work surface causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the template and the machine tool assembly into a single secured unit by attaching both to the work surface using vacuum clamping. The template foot and machine tool assembly are both secured to the work surface through vacuum, ensuring they move together as a stable unit, eliminating the instability caused by unattached templates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses vacuum (pneumatic principle) to secure both the template and machine tool assembly to the work surface. The vacuum source creates negative pressure that holds the template foot and machine tool assembly firmly against the work surface, providing stable positioning and preventing movement during operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional clamping methods are used to secure the machine tool assembly, then stability is improved, but the complexity of the clamping mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical clamping mechanisms with a vacuum-based securing system. The vacuum source creates suction that holds the machine tool assembly and template to the work surface through the conformable foam seal, eliminating the need for complex mechanical clamps, screws, or other traditional fastening devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a conformable foam seal as a flexible element to create an effective vacuum seal between the machine tool assembly and the work surface. The foam seal conforms to the contours of the work surface, ensuring reliable vacuum attachment without requiring rigid or complex mechanical structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the machine tool assembly is moved to different locations on the work surface, then operational versatility is improved, but maintaining secure attachment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum-based securing system allows the machine tool assembly to be easily repositioned on the work surface while maintaining reliable attachment. The vacuum force acts uniformly across the contact area, ensuring consistent holding strength regardless of location, and can be activated or deactivated as needed for repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum securing system is dynamic and controllable, allowing the operator to activate or deactivate the vacuum as needed. This enables easy repositioning of the machine tool assembly to different locations on the work surface while maintaining secure attachment during operations, combining versatility with reliability.
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
This method provides a stable and precise attachment of machine tool assemblies to work surfaces, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of operations such as drilling and fastener removal, while also allowing for the securement of templates and use with robotic systems.
Implementation Method 1
activating a vacuum source to draw a vacuum on the work surface through the conformable foam seal and the gripper attachment; and vacuum clamping the machine tool assembly to the work surface at the desired location in response to the vacuum drawn on the work surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing an operation on a workpiece includes moving a machine tool assembly to a desired location on a work surface of the workpiece, the machine tool assembly defines a proximal end and a distal end and includes a gripper attachment affixed to the distal end, the gripper attachment includes a conformable foam seal opposing the work surface; activating a vacuum source to draw a vacuum on the work surface through the conformable foam seal and the gripper attachment; and vacuum clamping the machine tool assembly to the work surface at the desired location in response to the vacuum drawn on the work surface. The machine tool assembly includes a machine tool and the gripper attachment. The machine tool includes a housing, a rotational drive, a drive shaft and a bit clamp. The gripper attachment includes a body, a cover and a conformable foam seal.