Workpiece Support Assembly With Passive Position Locking in Wet Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible tooling systems for holding contoured workpieces in wet environments, such as waterjet cutting of composite materials, are unreliable due to actuator malfunctions and mispositioning, which cannot be visually detected and result in machining errors.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece support system with immobilized fixture elements that utilize a combination of joints, slides, and pivots, providing six degrees of kinematic freedom and allowing for automated position verification using spindle probes and laser scanning, without electronic components that can be compromised by moisture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motor driven screws or fluidic actuators are used to actuate workpiece engaging rods, then the system can actively adjust and position workpieces, but the reliability deteriorates in wet environments due to actuator malfunctions and mispositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes electronic actuators, motors, and valves from the fixture system entirely. Instead, it uses passive mechanical elements (springs, gravity, friction) and simple manual or automated fastening mechanisms that can be positioned without powered actuators. This extraction of vulnerable components eliminates the reliability issues in wet environments while preserving positioning capability through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex motor-driven or fluidic actuation systems with simpler mechanical positioning mechanisms. These may include manual adjustment devices, spring-loaded elements, or gravity-assisted positioning that do not require electronic controls or sealed actuators, thereby achieving reliable operation in wet environments without sacrificing adjustability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If workpiece engaging end effectors pivot freely to accommodate contoured workpieces, then adaptability improves, but the ability to detect and verify position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces automated measurement systems (such as laser scanners, coordinate measuring machines, or spindle probes) as intermediaries between the fixture and the verification process. These external measurement devices can accurately determine the position of workpiece engaging elements without requiring the elements themselves to have built-in sensors, thus maintaining adaptability while enabling precise position verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses measurement systems that create digital copies or representations of the workpiece and fixture positions. By scanning and recording the actual positions, the system can verify alignment and positioning accuracy without physically interfering with the free-pivoting capability of the end effectors. This copying approach allows verification while preserving mechanical flexibility.
3Extent of automation
If electronic components, motors, or valves are included in the fixture system, then automated control and positioning are enabled, but reliability in wet environments deteriorates due to moisture compromise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes electronic components, motors, and valves from the fixture system. Instead of attempting to protect these components from moisture through sealing or environmental control, the design eliminates them entirely, using only passive mechanical elements that are inherently resistant to wet environments. This extraction approach maintains reliability while providing sufficient control through mechanical means.
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
Ensures accurate and verifiable support of workpieces, maintaining precision even in wet conditions, reducing machining errors and increasing reliability by enabling automated verification and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic system comprises a hydraulic input interface and a plurality of first hydraulic supply lines extending from the hydraulic input interface
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supporting workpieces during machining. The system comprises one or more adjustable workpiece support assemblies and a robotic unit. Each workpiece support assembly comprises a pedestal and a rotatable fixture element. The robotic assembly comprises a hydraulic means of mobilizing and immobilizing each support assembly, so that the workpiece may be supported by an array of workpiece supports in a particular orientation. The robotic unit moves along a frame, and manipulates and fixes the position of the fixture elements to match the contour of a workpiece. An umbilical contains hydraulic lines which pair with hydraulic lines within the workpiece support, and hydraulic pressure to particular lines allows the release of clamps within the workpiece support.