Vibratory Finishing Fixture and Guide for Complex Surface Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibratory finishing techniques struggle to access and treat complex surface areas of objects, such as fan blades and nozzle guide vanes, due to limitations in moving abrasive media to specific parts of the object, especially in areas inaccessible by shot peening.
Innovation Solution
The vibratory finishing apparatus includes a fixture and guide system that allows for the movement of objects relative to the receptacle in multiple directions and the directional control of abrasive media to target specific parts of the object, enabling precise treatment of areas that conventional methods cannot access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional vibratory finishing techniques are used, then the process is simple and cost-effective, but the abrasive media cannot be directed to specific complex surface areas of the object
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment process is segmented into multiple passes, with the object being removed from the receptacle and repositioned between passes. This allows different surface areas to be treated sequentially, enabling complex geometries to be accessed without requiring complex equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic repositioning of the object during the finishing process. By manually or mechanically repositioning the object between treatment passes, the abrasive media can be directed to different surface areas, providing adaptability to complex geometries while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Device complexity
If the object is stationary in the receptacle, then the setup is simple, but the abrasive media cannot reach inaccessible areas
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture system enables dynamic repositioning of the object within the receptacle. By allowing the object to be moved to different orientations and positions, previously inaccessible surface areas become reachable by the abrasive media, while the fixture itself remains mechanically simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The object is pre-positioned in specific orientations before treatment begins. This preliminary arrangement allows the abrasive media to access target surface areas effectively, and the object can be repositioned between passes to treat different regions.
3Productivity
If multiple objects are treated simultaneously, then productivity increases, but the abrasive media cannot be directed to specific parts of each object
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is divided into multiple treatment zones using dividers, with each zone containing a separate object. This segmentation allows abrasive media to be directed to specific zones and their corresponding objects, enabling multi-object treatment while maintaining precision for each individual object.
Solution Approach 2:
Dividers act as intermediaries that separate and organize multiple objects within the receptacle. These dividers guide the abrasive media flow to specific zones, ensuring that each object receives targeted treatment on its required surface areas while allowing simultaneous treatment of multiple objects.
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 solution allows for effective treatment of complex surfaces without the need for robotics or programming, is cost-effective, and can be adapted for various object shapes and sizes, enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of the vibratory finishing process.
Implementation Method 1
motors for vibrating the receptacle and thereby moving the abrasive media within the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
the abrasive media moves within the receptacle and rubs against the object and removes a surface layer of material from the object
Data Source
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AI summary
Vibratory finishing apparatus comprising: a receptacle to receive media; a first fixture to: support an object within the receptacle; and move the object relative to the receptacle in at least a first direction; and a first guide to move relative to the receptacle to direct movement of the media within the receptacle to a predetermined part of the object.