Workpiece Damping Layout for Vibration-Stable Composite Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Composite workpieces experience vibrations during machining operations, leading to inaccuracies and challenges in determinant assembly, which current technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilizes workpiece holders and damping apparatuses to maintain the workpiece in a fixed position, selectively controlling natural frequency by increasing mass or stiffness, and coupling grippers to specific locations on the workpiece to dampen machine-induced vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If machining operations are performed on composite parts, then manufacturing productivity is improved, but machine-induced vibrations occur leading to reduced machining accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing productivityVSAvoidmachining accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The damping apparatus is coupled to the workpiece before the machining operation begins. The apparatus includes damping elements that are positioned against the workpiece surface and secured in place, establishing vibration counteraction mechanisms in advance before any machining-induced vibrations can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The damping apparatus serves as an intermediary between the workpiece and the machining process. It includes damping elements that contact the workpiece surface and transmit counteracting forces to reduce vibrations, acting as a mediator that absorbs and dissipates vibrational energy without interfering with the machining operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If damping apparatuses are coupled to workpiece, then machining accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damping apparatus is divided into multiple independent damping elements that can be selectively positioned and coupled to different locations on the workpiece. Each damping element operates independently, allowing the system to be configured in modular fashion to match the specific machining requirements without requiring a complex integrated system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The damping elements are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily attached and removed. They are typically made from common damping materials and can be replaced or repositioned between different machining operations, reducing the need for complex, permanent damping systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

The system effectively reduces machine-induced vibrations, improving machining accuracy and enabling determinant assembly by maintaining the workpiece's shape and position, thus enhancing the precision of machining operations.

Implementation Method 1

selectively controlling natural frequency by increasing mass or stiffness

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMass increase for frequency control: Inertia

Implementation Method 2

selectively controlling natural frequency by increasing mass or stiffness

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStiffness increase for frequency control: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

damping apparatus selectively coupled to a portion of a workpiece... to dampen machine-induced vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4177166B1System and method for damping machine-induced vibrations in a workpiece
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 THE BOEING CO
  • EP4177166B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4177166B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4177166B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system for damping machine-induced vibration in a workpiece includes a plurality of workpiece holders (106) to hold the workpiece in a work cell. The system also includes a machine tool (134) located in the work cell. The machine tool performs a machining operation on the workpiece while the workpiece is held by the plurality of workpiece holders (106). The system further includes a damping apparatus (174) coupled to the workpiece. The damping apparatus (174) controls machine-induced vibrations in the workpiece during the machining operation.