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.
Claims20
A system comprising:
- a plurality of workpiece support assemblies, each comprising a pedestal and a fixture element, the fixture element being movable along and rotatable about each of three Cartesian axes relative to the pedestal when in a first condition and fixed in position relative to the pedestal when in a second condition;
- and
- a robotic assembly comprising:
- at least one torque transmission device capable of placing the fixture element in the first condition or the second condition;
- a gripper engagable with the fixture element and rotatable about each of the three Cartesian axes;
- and
- a system for driving translation and rotation of the gripper.
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;
- and
- 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.
A system, comprising:
- a plurality of unpowered support assemblies, each support assembly having a fixture element having at least five selectable degrees of kinematic freedom;
- and
- a robotic unit positionable in operative engagement with each of the plurality of support assemblies, the robotic unit carrying one or more installation elements collectively having at least five degrees of kinematic freedom.
A kit, comprising:
- a plurality of unpowered support assemblies, each support assembly having a fixture element having at least six selectable degrees of kinematic freedom;
- at least one base element configured to carry the plurality of support assemblies, the at least one base element having a plurality of installation sites, each installation site configured to receive one and only one support assembly;
- and
- a robotic unit positionable at each installation site of the at least one base element, the robotic unit carrying one or more installation elements collectively having at least six degrees of kinematic freedom.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.