Holding apparatus and method utilizing magnetorheological material

Abstract

A fixturing or workpiece holding and clamping apparatus or device, as well as method, utilizing the viscosity increase or solidification of a magnetorheological liquid or rigidity increase of a malleable semi-solid or clayish magnetorheological material to secure both regular and irregular shaped workpieces for precision machining or measuring operations. The workpiece is placed in a desired position and orientation in an open cell containing a magnetorheological liquid or medium which conforms to a portion of the surface of the workpiece. A magnet then applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological liquid or material to increase the viscosity or rigidity thereof, applying a uniform clamping pressure to secure the workpiece in the desired position and orientation for machining or measuring operations. A clamp configured to apply a compressive force to the viscous or rigid magnetorheological medium optionally increases the uniform clamping pressure applied to the workpiece by compressing the magnetorheological material to further increase viscosity and rigidity thereof. The solidified magnetorheological material reverts to a liquid, semi-solid, or clayish state for removal of the fixture and workpiece upon release of the compressive force and removal of the magnetic field.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.