Reconfigurable clamping system
US9022376B2 · kind B2 · utility
0Cited by
23References
13Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 2013 |
| Grant date | May 5, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49998
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A reconfigurable clamping system is disclosed. An example clamping system for securing a workpiece comprises a retention assembly and an inflatable bladder. The retention assembly comprises a plurality of links, each pair of adjacent links having a pivotal connection to enable the retention assembly to be configured to the general shape of a workpiece, and each pair of adjacent links having a locking mechanism to selectively lock an angular relationship between the pair. The inflatable bladder is coupled between the retention assembly and the workpiece and is to apply a clamping force to the workpiece.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.