Static flexible tooling system
AssigneeAdvanced Machine Works, LLC
InventorLarry Don Kirby
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
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 means of mobilizing and immobilizing each support assembly, so that the fixture element may be secured 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. Vacuum forces may be applied through the workpiece support assemblies to secure the workpiece against the fixture elements.
Claims8
A workpiece support assembly comprising:
- a pedestal;
- a support tube carried by the pedestal and having a longitudinal axis;
- an offset arm carried by the support tube and selectively rotatable about its longitudinal axis, the arm having a rectilinear channel formed therein;
- a fixture element supported above the channel and movable along a line parallel thereto, the fixture element having at least two degrees of rotational freedom;
- and
- a lockscrew disposed on the pedestal, such that rotation of the lockscrew in a first direction fixes the support tube in axial and rotational position relative to the pedestal, and wherein rotation of the lockscrew in a second direction allows rotation and axial movement of the support tube relative to the pedestal;
- a block slidingly disposed within the channel;
- a ball joint carried by the block and forming part of its interconnection to the fixture element;
- and
- a clamp disc disposed between the ball joint and the block such that rotation of the ball joint in a first direction fixes a position of the block within the channel, and rotation of the ball joint in a second direction releases the block for sliding movement within the channel.
A workpiece support assembly comprising:
- a pedestal;
- a support tube carried by the pedestal and having a longitudinal axis;
- an offset arm carried by the support tube and selectively rotatable about its longitudinal axis, the arm having a rectilinear channel formed therein;
- a fixture element supported above the channel and movable along a line parallel thereto, the fixture element having at least two degrees of rotational freedom;
- and
- a sealed air passage extending through the pedestal, support tube, offset arm, and fixture element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.