Modular universal holding fixture
US7866642B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jan 11, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 11, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T409/307728
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A modular universal holding fixture and corresponding methods, accommodating a wide range of workpiece contours, geometries, sizes, and configurations. The fixture may include a fiducial base, a registration frame, and a bridge module. Fixable to a fiducial (reference) location, the fiducial base may be attached in alignment to the registration frame. The bridge module may have a central cavity and guide tracks on top, exterior, and interior support surfaces. The bridge module transversely engages the registration frame for longitudinal movement to a registration position, and supports a tooling for transverse movement. The bridge module may repositionably constrain the tooling at an indexed position. The bridge module may be configured to engage multiple types of tooling and additional tooling headers, supports, and side actuators. A tooling may be passive linear actuators positioned by a N/C operated gantry engaged with the registration frame.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.