Workpiece Locking Table With Removable Coupling for Dirty Conditions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing workpiece locking systems for numerically controlled working centers face issues with dirt accumulation and deformation of components, leading to imprecise positioning, especially in dirty environments and when support rods and holes become worn.

Innovation Solution

A workpiece locking system with vertically movable support rods and a positioning table that uses removable coupling to overcome friction, featuring magnetic or shape-based coupling and stop mechanisms for precise locking, along with sensor and control systems for correct positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If support rods are made slidable in holes for vertical movement, then positioning flexibility is improved, but friction and dirt accumulation cause positioning errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the support rod from the hole structure, replacing the sliding mechanism with a magnetic coupling system where the rod is held in position by magnetic attraction to the positioning table, eliminating contact friction and dirt accumulation issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical sliding system is replaced with a magnetic field-based positioning system, where magnetic coupling forces replace physical contact and friction, allowing precise positioning without mechanical wear or contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If support rods and holes are used for positioning, then结构简单性 is improved, but wear and deformation lead to positioning errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a disposable or replaceable positioning table with magnetic coupling elements that can be easily replaced when worn, rather than maintaining precision mechanical sliding components, reducing long-term maintenance and positioning errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The worn mechanical sliding system is replaced with a magnetic field-based system that is less susceptible to wear and deformation, maintaining positioning accuracy over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If coupling means are used to drag support rods downwards, then friction overcoming is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction overcomingVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling means are merged with the positioning table structure itself, where the table provides both positioning and coupling functions through integrated magnetic coupling elements, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Complex mechanical coupling mechanisms are replaced with simple magnetic coupling fields that automatically engage and disengage based on proximity, eliminating complex mechanical linkages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables accurate and reliable workpiece positioning even in dirty or deformed conditions, optimizing system engineering and reducing manufacturing and design costs through simple and cost-effective construction.

Implementation Method 1

coupling means for coupling in a removable manner the positioning table and each support rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

locking members, for example of suction type (suction cups), which are positionable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4074457B1Workpiece locking system and method for working centres

Publication Date: 2023.09.13 C M S COSTRUZIONE MACCHINE SPECIALI

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AI summary

A workpiece locking system is disclosed comprising support rods carrying locking members for maintaining a workpiece, support means provided with holes, each support rod being movable vertically independently of one another within a respective hole, stop means for locking the support rod, a positioning table for moving the support rods, coupling means for coupling in a removable manner the positioning table and each support rod to drag downwards each support rod so as to overcome friction between the support rod and hole, the coupling means removing the coupling when the stop means locks each support rod. A locking method is disclosed comprising coupling in a removable manner the support rods with the positioning table and further lowering the positioning table to remove the coupling when the support rods are locked.