Work support member and adjustment mechanism
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.
Claims17
A workpiece support assembly, comprising:
- a pedestal having a longitudinal axis, wherein the pedestal comprises a first section and a second section, wherein the second section is at least partially disposed within the first section and each of the first section and second section are disposed along the longitudinal axis;
- and
- an end effector pivotally supported at an end of the second section;
- wherein the workpiece support assembly is configured to be adjustable between two modes;
- wherein:
- in the first mode, the end effector is movable relative to the first section of the pedestal;
- and
- in the second mode, the second section is fixed in position relative to the first section and the end effector is fixed in position relative to the longitudinal axis of the pedestal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.