Active fixturing for micro/mesoscale, machine tool systems

Abstract

Embodiments generally relate to fixturing devices for supporting a workpiece, the devices including modularized cantilevered and fixed beam fixing elements. Each module includes a compliant beam and an interface element in contact with the workpiece and a portion of the compliant beam for transmitting a contact force between the workpiece and the beam. Dynamic adaptability of the beam is configured by selectively varying beam stiffness by varying either beam length or beam width. Varying a width can include varying a beam width, and/or breadth. In a further embodiment, the compliant beam fixed at both ends is slidable in a longitudinal direction of the beam such that a portion of the interface element slides along the beam, thus dynamically adapting the beam stiffness according to a force applied to a workpiece.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.