Workpiece support
US6598866B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 29, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49622
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.