Multi-axis part positioning system
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsScott Mitchell Collier, Paul Edward Jennerjohn
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A universal fixture holds a component relative to an established reference frame. The fixture includes a base fixable relative to the established reference frame, and a plurality of stanchions continuously movable along a plane defined by a surface of the base.
Claims14
A universal fixture for holding a component relative to an established reference frame, said fixture comprising:
- a base fixable relative to said established reference frame wherein said base includes a platen positioned on a plane defined by a surface of said base wherein said platen includes a steel etched grid having small grooves cut at 90.degree. angles;
- a plurality of stanchions continuously movable along an x-axis and y-axis of the plane defined by the surface of said base;
- and
- a CPU in electrical communication with said platen and each of said plurality of stanchions for directing each of said stanchions to a position on said platen.
A universal fixture for holding a component relative to an established reference frame, said fixture comprising:
- a base fixable relative to said established reference frame wherein said base includes a platen positioned on a plane defined by a surface of said base;
- a plurality of stanchions continuously movable along an x-axis and y-axis of the plane defined by the surface of said base wherein said stanchions each have a bottom with a plurality of air jets that eject air between the bottom and the platen to reduce friction while the stanchions are moving to the directed position and wherein said base of each of said stanchions includes a steel etched grid;
- and
- a CPU in electrical communication with said platen and each of said plurality of stanchions for directing each of said stanchions to a position on said platen.
A universal fixture for holding a component relative to an established reference frame, said fixture comprising:
- a base fixable relative to said established reference frame wherein said base includes a platen positioned on a plane defined by a surface of said base;
- and
- a plurality of stanchions continuously movable along an x-axis and y-axis of the plane defined by the surface of said base,
- a CPU in electrical communication with said platen and each of said plurality of stanchions for directing each of said stanchions to a position on said platen, wherein said stanchions and said platen act together as a dual axis motor to drive each of said stanchions to the position directed by the CPU.
A universal fixture for holding a component relative to an established reference frame, said fixture comprising:
- a base fixable relative to said established reference frame wherein said base includes a platen positioned on a plane defined by a surface of said base wherein said base also includes a slidable platform upon which the platen is mounted;
- a plurality of stanchions continuously movable along an x-axis and y-axis of the plane defined by the surface of said base;
- and
- a CPU in electrical communication with said platen and each of said plurality of stanchions for directing each of said stanchions to a position on said platen.
A universal fixture for holding a component relative to an established reference frame, said fixture comprising:
- a base fixable relative to said established reference frame wherein said base includes a platen positioned on a plane defined by a surface of said base;
- and
- a plurality of stanchions continuously movable along an x-axis and y-axis of the plane defined by the surface of said base wherein each of said stanchions includes a stepper motor coupled to a jack screw;
- and
- a CPU in electrical communication with said platen and each of said plurality of stanchions for directing each of said stanchions to a position on said platen, wherein the stepper motor is electrically coupled to the CPU.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.