ISSN:
1433-3015
Keywords:
Fixtures
;
Modular
;
Reconfigurable
;
Thin-walled flexible objects
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
Notes:
Abstract This paper presents a novel reconfigurable modular system for the fixturing of thin-walled, flexible objects subject to a discrete number of point forces. The paper comprises two parts: description of the conceptual design of our new reconfigurable fixture, and a brief review of our earlier work on the optimal reconfiguration of the object-support locations. During the mechanical design phase of the fixture, a conscientious effort was made to develop a robust and low-cost system. The primary components of the fixture are: a baseplate, support locators and clamps. A novel tiltable support-surface design, through which the height of the surface can be maintained constant, is used for the locators and the clamps. A fixture reconfiguration method is proposed to place these locators, underneath the object, as an optimal support wall. Potential surface deflections due to external forces are minimised during the optimisation process.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01350819
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