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Method and devices to minimize work-piece distortion due to adhering stresses and changes in internal stresses

  • US 10,336,003 B2
  • Filed: 07/21/2015
  • Issued: 07/02/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/22/2014
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of holding a work-piece on an adhesive fixture, comprising:

  • providing a fixture having a fixture base and a plurality of fixing surfaces each capable of displacing relative to the fixture base, the fixture including a plurality of fixture elements each defining one of the fixing surfaces, each of the fixture elements being capable of displacing relative to the fixture base with prescribed degrees of freedom, the fixture further including a clamping system operable to selectively disengage so as to release displacement of each of the fixture elements relative to the fixture base or engage so as to stop displacement of each of the fixture elements relative to the fixture base, the fixture further having a suspension for each fixture element operable to support each fixture element in a nominal pose, wherein when the clamping system is disengaged, gravitational forces acting on the fixture elements are countered by the suspensions;

    adjoining adhesive to at least one of the fixing surfaces of the fixture elements;

    adhering the adhesive to the at least one fixing surface and to a work-piece to create an adhesive joint between the at least one fixing surface and the work-piece to restrain the work-piece during a manufacturing process; and

    disengaging the clamping system such that the fixture elements are displaceable;

    allowing each of the fixture elements to displace as the work-piece and adhesive joint obtain an equilibrium shape to reduce strain energy, wherein displacement of the fixing surfaces reducing stresses within the adhesive joint; and

    engaging the clamping system to stop the motion freedom of the fixture elements after the work-piece and adhesive joint have obtained their equilibrium shape;

    whereby the work-piece is allowed to obtain an equilibrium shape closer to a free state without rupturing the adhesive joint or substantially reducing its holding strength.

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