Workpiece Support Plates With Adjustable Curvature Under Flexible Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining systems face challenges in supporting large, curved workpieces without causing damage, as they require extensive support across a large area and must withstand significant forces during machining, with existing solutions often necessitating removal of the flexible cover for adaptation and offering limited control over curvature.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a base with controllably extendable support members and a flexible cover, where the support members can be positioned and inclined using three extendable members to adapt to the workpiece's curvature without removing the cover, utilizing rollers for rotation and attachment to maintain cover integrity and incorporating elastomeric materials with rigidifying elements for flexibility and rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-dimensional array of support members with a semi-flexible cover is used to support large curved workpieces, then the workpiece can be supported over a large area without direct contact with individual support members, but the system requires removal of the flexible cover for adaptation of support member positions and orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rollers as intermediary elements between the support members and the flexible cover. These rollers enable the support members to move and adjust their positions and orientations while the cover remains in place, acting as a mediator that allows adaptation without requiring cover removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are made dynamically adjustable through controllable extendable members that can change the position and inclination of plates in real-time. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different workpiece curvatures without manual intervention or cover removal.
2Productivity
If the position and orientation of support members are adapted by modifying head machine operations, then equipment efficiency is improved, but the flexible cover must be removed prior to adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The rollers are pre-installed on the support members before machining operations begin. This preliminary preparation ensures that when adaptation is needed, the support members can be adjusted immediately without the time-consuming process of removing and reinstalling the cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The rollers serve as intermediaries that decouple the adaptation process from cover removal, allowing the head machine to adjust support member positions and orientations continuously during machining operations without interruption.
3Strength
If a rigid support structure is used to withstand large machining forces, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to adapt to different workpiece curvatures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines rigid elements (support members, plates, rollers) with a flexible element (the semi-flexible cover) to create a composite support structure. The rigid components provide the necessary strength to withstand machining forces, while the flexible cover provides the adaptability to conform to different workpiece curvatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into multiple independent support members, each capable of individual adjustment through controllable extendable members. This segmentation allows each segment to be independently positioned and oriented to match the workpiece curvature while collectively providing the strength needed to handle large machining forces.
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 precise adaptation of the support system to complex geometries without damaging the workpiece, maintaining cover integrity, and absorbing machining vibrations, while allowing for efficient machining operations without the need to remove the flexible cover.
Implementation Method 1
a layer (21) of an elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
at least one roller (12) capable of rotation around at least one axis
Implementation Method 3
at least three controllably extendable members (13) arranged for determining the position and inclination of the plate (11) in relation to the base (1000)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
A system for supporting workpieces comprises a base and a plurality of support members (1), each support member (1) comprising a plate (11) and means for positioning the plate (11) in relation to the base. In at least some of the support members (1). The means for positioning the plate (11) comprise at least three controllably extendable members (13) arranged for determining the position and inclination of the plate (11) in relation to the base, thereby allowing for controlled positioning of the plate (11) in relation to the base and for controlled inclination of the plate (11).