US 6,598,866 B2 · Workpiece support

Abstract

A modular workpiece support reconfigurable to support a number of similar, but different profiled workpieces (such as the leading edge skin sections of an aircraft wing) comprises a base 32 defining a number of stations along the component. Each station comprises a clamp block 34, and a frame element 38 of predetermined profile may be clamped in the clamp block in either of two different orientations (for hand and opposite). Each frame element includes a number of suction cups 40, the suction being controlled by a valve 42. The workpiece support may be rapidly reconfigured for a symmetric component simply by unclamping and rotating the frame element through 180°. The workpiece support may also be reconfigured for different profiles by selecting the appropriate frame elements from a library thereof.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A workpiece support for supporting a workpiece of a given profile, and being reconfigurable to support a workpiece of a different profile, said workpiece support including:

a base means having a plurality of anchorage means at spaced intervals;
a plurality of station frame elements removably secured to said plurality of anchorage means for providing support for a given workpiece over an extended area at spaced stations, and
attachment means associated with each of said station frame elements for securing the workpiece to said workpiece support,
wherein each of said anchorage means permits each respective station frame element to be secured to said base means in either of two different angular working orientations.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Workpiece support

Life of this patent

Workpiece support

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24