Compliant work piece processing tool with locking mechanism
AssigneeBranson Ultrasonics Corporation
InventorMichael J. DIKER
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A work piece processing tool includes a tool device and a work piece that can be held by a workpiece holder. A servo-elastic actuator system includes a servo actuator and a compliance elastic member that connects one of the tool device and the work piece holder to the servo actuator. The servo-elastic actuator system moves the one of the tool device and the work piece holder toward the other of the tool device and the work piece holder. A locking mechanism engages the one of the tool device and the work piece holder to the servo actuator to limit movement of the one of the tool device and the work piece holder relative to the servo actuator.
Claims20
A work piece processing tool, comprising:
- a tool device and a work piece;
- a servo-elastic actuator system including a servo actuator and a compliance elastic member, wherein the servo-elastic actuator system moves one of the tool device and the work piece toward the other of the tool device and the work piece;
- and
- a locking mechanism for locking out the compliance elastic member to limit movement of the one of the tool device and work piece holder relative to the servo actuator.
A method of operating a work piece processing tool having a tool device for processing a work piece and including a servo-elastic actuator system including a servo actuator and a compliance elastic member, wherein the servo-elastic actuator system moves one of the tool device and the work piece toward the other of the tool device and the work piece, comprising:
- engaging a locking mechanism between the one of the tool device and the work piece and the servo actuator;
- actuating the servo actuator to move the one of the tool device and the work piece toward the other of the tool device and the work piece;
- disengaging the locking mechanism;
- and
- actuating the tool device and the servo-actuator to perform a desired processing of the work piece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.