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US 9,038,999 B2Granted
Fixture assembly for forming prototype parts on an incremental forming machine
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsVijitha Senaka Kiridena, Zhiyong Cedric Xia
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An incremental forming machine binder is provided that has a blank holding opening that may be subdivided into smaller blank holding openings. The opening is subdivided by one or more clamping modules that are connected by connecting modules to each other and the frame. Clamps are attached to the clamping modules to clamp blanks in the blank holding openings. Multiple blanks may be secured to the binder for incremental forming.
Claims9
A binder comprising:
- a primary frame defining an opening;
- a plurality of connecting members connectable to the primary frame having at least two connecting ends, a plurality of clamp support segments each connected to one of the connecting ends of one of the connecting members, and a reinforcement member extending through the connecting members and the clamp support segments to support at least one blank within a subdivided opening;
- and
- a plurality of alignment pins received on either a first end or a second end of the clamp support segments, wherein the alignment pins are received by the connecting ends of the connecting members.
1 more element
A binder comprising:
- a primary frame defining an opening;
- and
- a plurality of connecting members connectable to the primary frame having at least two connecting ends, a plurality of clamp support segments each connected to one of the connecting ends of one of the connecting members, the connecting members and the clamp support segments defining holes to which a reinforcement member is assembled to support at least one blank within a subdivided opening.
A binder comprising:
- a primary frame defining an opening;
- a plurality of connecting members connectable to the primary frame having at least two connecting ends, a plurality of clamp support segments each connected to one of the connecting ends of one of the connecting members, and a reinforcement member extending through the connecting members and the clamp support segments to support at least one blank within a subdivided opening;
- and
- a second reinforcement member is fastened to the primary fixture frame that extends perpendicular relative to the reinforcement member.
1 more element
A fixture that holds a blank for an incremental forming machine, the fixture comprising:
- a frame that defines an opening;
- a plurality of clamp support segments disposed in the opening;
- a plurality of edge connecting members attachable to the frame within the opening having a plurality of connecting ends that are each adapted to be connected to one of the clamp support segments;
- a plurality of intermediate connecting members having a plurality of connecting ends, wherein each intermediate connecting member is connected to at least two clamp support segments;
- alignment pins mounted to a first end and a second end of the clamp support segments and received by the connecting ends of the connecting members, wherein the connecting ends define a plurality of alignment pin holes;
- a clamp disposed on the clamp support segments;
- and
- a reinforcement member connecting linearly aligned clamp support segments, at least one connecting member, and the frame within the opening.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.