Workpiece Support Device With Movable Flanges And Jaws
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece holding devices are inadequate for machining thin parts, as they often deform under pressure, and struggle with maintaining small, trimmed parts during machining operations, leading to costly and time-consuming manual or robotic handling.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece support device featuring movable flanges that press against the upper face and adjustable jaws that hold the part by its side faces, allowing for effective flattening and machining of contoured portions, with pneumatic actuation for precise control and independent operation of flanges and jaws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If thick parts are held by a vice or mandrel pressing on external side faces, then holding force is sufficient, but thin parts are deformed by the strong pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from vertical pressing (single dimension) to horizontal clamping (another dimension). Movable jaws move in a horizontal plane parallel to the support surface, clamping the part from the sides rather than pressing from above, thus providing holding force without deforming thin parts
Solution Approach 2:
The holding function is segmented into two independent systems: flanges for applying vertical pressing force and movable jaws for applying horizontal clamping force. This allows each system to be optimized for its specific function - flanges for flattening and jaws for secure holding without deformation
2Shape
If flanges press the part against the support surface, then flattening is achieved, but small trimmed parts cannot be maintained after separation
Solution Approach 1:
The jaws are made movable in a horizontal plane, allowing them to dynamically adjust and maintain contact with the part during machining operations. This dynamic clamping ensures that small trimmed parts remain securely held even after separation from the main workpiece
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges two holding mechanisms - flanges for flattening and movable jaws for retention - into a single integrated device. Both systems work simultaneously to provide comprehensive holding capability that addresses both flattening and retention requirements
3Ease of operation
If manual or robotic handling is used to transfer contoured parts between machines, then part positioning is achieved, but processing time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides universal holding capability that can accommodate various part geometries and machining operations within a single machine. The movable jaws can adapt to different part shapes and positions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fixtures or manual transfer operations between different machines
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device has a support surface (2), and mobile clamping plates (5) for plating a piece on the support surface when the plates are supported against an upper side of the piece. The plates are raised during the insertion and removal of the piece. Mobile clamping jaws (3) are provided in a plane parallel to the support surface to maintain an inner portion (11) of the piece through its lateral sides. The plates are actuated independent of the jaws using a pneumatic system e.g. pneumatic piston, where the jaws are supported on a portion of an opening of the piece. An independent claim is also included for a method for machining a piece.