Zero-Point Buffer Block for Precise Positioning of AM Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Additively manufactured nodes with varying geometries pose challenges in securing them accurately for machining and assembly processes due to their irregular shapes, requiring a repeatable and precise approach to attachment and detachment, which is often complicated by the need for custom fixturing and precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A buffer block apparatus is introduced, which serves as a reusable reference point with a constant coordinate axis, allowing for the secure attachment and detachment of additively manufactured nodes of different geometries, reducing the need for custom fixturing and enabling precise positioning through a zero-point interface mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If custom fixturing is used for each node geometry, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer block is designed as a universal fixture that can accommodate multiple node geometries through a standardized interface system. The buffer block includes a constant coordinate axis and multiple interface features that work with different node types, eliminating the need for custom fixturing for each node geometry while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer block pre-establishes a constant coordinate axis and reference framework before nodes are attached. This preliminary setup provides a consistent reference system that enables precise positioning of various node geometries without requiring custom positioning procedures for each node type.
2Measurement precision
If custom fixturing is designed for each node, then positioning accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer block serves as a multi-functional platform that handles various node geometries through standardized interfaces, eliminating the need to design and manufacture custom fixtures for each node type. This universality significantly improves productivity while maintaining positioning accuracy through the constant coordinate axis system.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer block establishes a ready-to-use reference framework with constant coordinate axis before each operation. This preliminary preparation enables quick node attachment and positioning without time-consuming custom fixture setup, thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If node-specific tooling is used, then machining precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer block provides a universal tooling platform with standardized interfaces that work with different node geometries. The constant coordinate axis and reference features enable precise machining operations across various node types without requiring node-specific tooling, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining machining precision.
4Reliability
If custom fixturing is created for each node geometry, then positioning repeatability is improved, but loss of time in setup and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer block is designed as a universal fixture with standardized interfaces that accommodate multiple node geometries. This universality eliminates the need to create custom fixtures for each node type, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining positioning repeatability through the constant coordinate axis and reference framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer block pre-establishes a constant coordinate axis and reference system that provides repeatable positioning for all nodes. This preliminary setup eliminates the time-consuming process of creating and verifying custom fixtures for each node geometry, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining positioning repeatability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A buffer block apparatus for securing a node may be described. The buffer block apparatus may include a first surface having disposed thereon at least one first zero-point feature configured for a first zero-point interface with a robotic assembly apparatus; and a second surface, different from the first surface, configured to connect with a first surface of a node and form a first rigid connection between the buffer block apparatus and the node, wherein the buffer block apparatus provides at least one reference coordinate system with respect to the node.