Reconfigure modular tooling
US5851563A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 22, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S425/044
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A reconfigurable modular tooling system is provided that approximates the contour of a workpiece to be formed by adjusting the height of an array of pins, each of which represents the contour of the workpiece at that point. A flexible sheet is supported by the pins such that movement of the pins into their contoured position adjusts the flexible sheet forming a mold for a composite part to be manufactured. The modular tooling unit is comprised of a hard rubber which functions to lock the array of pins in position. The locking function of the pins is obtained when the pins are rotated in apertures that match the shape of the pins within the hard rubber tooling unit which distorts the shape of the apertures and locks the pin in position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.