Reconfigurable workholding fixture
US6644637B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25B5/061
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A reconfigurable fixture for workpieces is disclosed. It utilizes a flat surface magnetic chuck with modular workpiece supporting, locating and clamping elements that are carefully located on it and held by magnetic attraction to it. These elements are precisely located to hold the workpiece in spaced relation to the chuck surface. Some locating elements are mechanically fixed to the chuck for securing the workpiece from transverse movement on the chuck surface. Preferably, each of the supporting, locating and clamping members are fixed to separate steel bases for magnetic attraction to the chuck. Each base may also carry its own hydraulic actuator for height adjustment of a support element or for height adjustment and closure of a clamping element. These modular elements can be selected from a storage magazine and located on a chuck by numerically controlled mechanisms.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.