Vibrating Workholder Interface for Repeatable Light-Part Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional work-holding systems for inspection processes face challenges such as inconsistency, reliability issues, and measurement reproducibility problems due to the need for frequent fixture changes and the application of varying forces during work-holding.
Innovation Solution
A method of operating a workholder with a workpiece interface that includes vibrating the interface to settle the workpiece before securing it, using a combination of actuators to controllably open, close, and vibrate the interface independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular fixture kits are used for work-holding, then adaptability to different workpieces is improved, but reliability and measurement reproducibility deteriorate due to inconsistent rebuilding and deflection from applied forces
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece interface is designed with a compliant mechanism that dynamically adapts to different workpiece geometries through elastic deformation. The interface includes a substrate with a compliant mechanism having a degree of freedom, allowing it to flex and conform to various workpiece shapes while maintaining consistent measurement reference planes, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and measurement reproducibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the workpiece interface by introducing controlled elastic deformation through the compliant mechanism. This parameter change allows the interface to adapt its shape for different workpieces while maintaining structural integrity and measurement consistency, addressing both adaptability and reliability requirements
2Reliability
If workpiece interface is vibrated to settle the workpiece, then positioning consistency and measurement reliability are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional vibration actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration actuator is merged with the existing workholder actuator that controls the workpiece interface. The same actuator performs both the closing motion and the vibration function by executing rapid open-close cycles, eliminating the need for a separate vibration actuator and reducing overall system complexity while achieving reliable workpiece positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece interface is subjected to periodic open-close motions by the workholder actuator to generate vibration that settles the workpiece into the compliant mechanism. This periodic action achieves reliable positioning without requiring continuous vibration, reducing energy consumption and simplifying the actuator system
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent fixture changes are implemented for different workpieces, then adaptability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time loss in changing fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece interface is designed as a universal, programmable fixture that can handle multiple workpiece types through software control rather than physical reconfiguration. The compliant mechanism with degree of freedom allows a single interface design to adapt to various workpiece geometries, eliminating the need for frequent physical fixture changes and maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical approach of physically changing fixtures with a programmable control system that adjusts the workpiece interface parameters and vibration characteristics through software. This substitution eliminates time-consuming mechanical reconfiguration while maintaining adaptability to different workpieces
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 approach enhances the reliability and reproducibility of measurements by ensuring consistent workpiece positioning and reducing the need for frequent fixture changes, thereby improving operational efficiency in inspection processes.
Implementation Method 1
vibrating the workpiece interface to settle the workpiece into the workpiece interface
Data Source
AI summary
Illustrative embodiments improve holding of a workpiece in an industrial process by placing the workpiece on or in a workpiece interface of a workholder and, prior to securing the workpiece on or in the workholder, vibrating the workpiece interface to settle the workpiece onto or into the workpiece interface. The act of vibrating the workpiece interface is separate and distinct from an act of securing the workpiece to the workpiece interface, and the vibration from the act of vibrating the workpiece interface is separate and distinct from vibration that may occur incidental to the act of securing the workpiece to the workpiece interface. Some embodiments of a workholder include a vibration actuator distinct from a workpiece interface actuator that opens and closes the workpiece interface. Some embodiments of workpiece interface include a set of one or more tapered guides to guide a workpiece onto the workpiece interface.