Workpiece Carrier Centering Interface for Fast Repeat-Accurate Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centering interfaces for workpiece carriers lack secure and time-saving positioning with repeat accuracy on table adapters, particularly in precision measurement and machining applications.
Innovation Solution
A centering interface with at least three different support points between the table adapter and the workpiece carrier base, including a group of three balls forming a triangle, a group of two balls with a cylindrical contact element, and a group of two pin-shaped and journal-shaped contact elements, allowing for secure and accurate mounting with a clamping system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a simple mounting interface is used, then the mounting process is fast, but the positioning accuracy and repeatability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The centering interface is segmented into multiple independent support points (at least three), each with specific geometric configurations (balls, cylindrical surfaces, planar surfaces). This segmentation allows each support point to independently contribute to positioning accuracy while collectively enabling rapid mounting through self-alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The support points are pre-configured with specific geometries (balls, cylindrical surfaces, planar surfaces) that automatically guide the workpiece carrier base into the correct position before clamping. This preliminary geometric configuration eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during mounting, achieving both speed and accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If a complex centering interface with multiple support points is used, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each support point has a specific local geometry tailored to its function: balls for point contact and rotational freedom, cylindrical surfaces for linear guidance, and planar surfaces for stable support. This localized optimization of geometry at each contact point achieves high positioning accuracy without requiring complex overall interface design.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex active positioning mechanisms, the patent uses passive geometric constraints where simple surfaces (balls, cylinders, planes) automatically define the position through their inherent geometry. The complexity is inverted from active control to passive geometric definition.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the workpiece carrier base is rigidly fixed, then the positioning stability is improved, but the adaptability to different workpiece sizes and orientations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The centering interface with multiple geometrically defined support points serves multiple functions: it provides stable positioning, accommodates different workpiece sizes and orientations, and maintains repeat accuracy. The universal geometric configuration (balls, cylindrical surfaces, planar surfaces) can adapt to various workpiece geometries while maintaining positioning stability through the clamping system.
Data Source
AI summary
A workpiece carrier consisting of a table adapter and a workpiece carrier base. The table adapter of the workpiece carrier is detachably mounted on a table of a measuring device or a machine tool. At least three different support points are arranged between the table adapter and the workpiece carrier base. A first support point comprises one rotary body and three balls. A second support point comprises a rotary body and two balls. A third support point comprises two contact elements. The table adapter and the workpiece carrier base can be clamped against each other after mutual positioning by means of a clamping system.