Manufacturing cell using tooling apparatus
First Claim
1. A manufacturing cell for performing a plurality of metalworking operations on a workpiece, wherein the manufacturing cell comprises a plurality of work stations, and wherein at least one work station comprises:
- (a) a metalworking machine comprising a table; and
(b) modular tooling apparatus secured to the table of the metalworking machine, the modular tooling apparatus comprising;
(i) a base comprising;
a securement for securing the base to a table of the metalworking machine; and
at least one attachment surface comprising a locating feature on a surface thereof;
(ii) at least a first set of inserts comprising a first insert and a second insert alternatively associated with the at least one attachment surface, each of the inserts comprising a locating feature and a workpiece support feature on a surface for alternately supporting a respective first and second workpiece, the first insert and second insert being related in general configuration, but different in detail, the detail being selected from size and proportion, and the first workpiece and second workpiece being related in general configuration, but different in detail, the detail being selected from size and proportion;
wherein the association of each insert locating feature with the locating feature of the at least one attachment surface defines a characteristic location for each workpiece support feature in a precise position and orientation in x, y and z space relative to the base with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability, and wherein, when the base is aligned with the metalworking machine and secured to the table, the workpiece support feature of either associated insert collectively and cooperatively supports and holds each of the respective first and second workpieces in a corresponding precise position and orientation in x, y and z space relative to the metalworking machine, for proper machining of the first workpiece and the second workpieces, without re-aligning the base with the metalworking machine when the first and second inserts are alternately associated with the at least one attachment surface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A manufacturing cell having a plurality of work stations, where at least one of the work station comprises a metalworking machine, and where at least one metalworking machine is provided with a modular tooling apparatus. The modular tooling apparatus consists of a base having one or more attachment surfaces, and one or more inserts that can be inserted semi-permanently to the attachment surfaces. The attachment surface is typically a pocket in the surface of the base. The insert has a workpiece support feature that can support and/or secure the workpiece into the proper position and orientation for machining. The base, pockets and inserts are configured to provide a characteristic location and orientation for the workpiece relative to the base, and to the metalworking machine. The modular tooling apparatus permits machining a family of workpiece members that are related but different in detail, by inserting an insert member from the family of inserts to properly position and orient the corresponding workpiece member, without needing to change, disconnect, or move the base tooling. The invention also provides a process for performing a plurality of metalworking operations on workpieces, employing the manufacturing cell described hereinabove.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A manufacturing cell for performing a plurality of metalworking operations on a workpiece, wherein the manufacturing cell comprises a plurality of work stations, and wherein at least one work station comprises:
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(a) a metalworking machine comprising a table; and
(b) modular tooling apparatus secured to the table of the metalworking machine, the modular tooling apparatus comprising;
(i) a base comprising;
a securement for securing the base to a table of the metalworking machine; and
at least one attachment surface comprising a locating feature on a surface thereof;
(ii) at least a first set of inserts comprising a first insert and a second insert alternatively associated with the at least one attachment surface, each of the inserts comprising a locating feature and a workpiece support feature on a surface for alternately supporting a respective first and second workpiece, the first insert and second insert being related in general configuration, but different in detail, the detail being selected from size and proportion, and the first workpiece and second workpiece being related in general configuration, but different in detail, the detail being selected from size and proportion;
wherein the association of each insert locating feature with the locating feature of the at least one attachment surface defines a characteristic location for each workpiece support feature in a precise position and orientation in x, y and z space relative to the base with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability, and wherein, when the base is aligned with the metalworking machine and secured to the table, the workpiece support feature of either associated insert collectively and cooperatively supports and holds each of the respective first and second workpieces in a corresponding precise position and orientation in x, y and z space relative to the metalworking machine, for proper machining of the first workpiece and the second workpieces, without re-aligning the base with the metalworking machine when the first and second inserts are alternately associated with the at least one attachment surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A manufacturing cell for performing a plurality of metalworking operations on a workpiece, wherein the manufacturing cell comprises a plurality of work stations, and wherein at least one work station comprises:
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(a) a metalworking machine; and
(b) modular tooling apparatus secured to a table of the metalworking machine, the modular tooling apparatus comprising;
(i) a base comprising;
a means for securing the base to the table of the metalworking machine; and
an attachment surface having a locating feature; and
(ii) at least one insert associated with the attachment surface, the insert comprising a locating feature, and a workpiece support feature on a surface thereof;
wherein the locating feature on the insert associates with the locating feature of the attachment surface to define a characteristic location of the workpiece support feature that provides the workpiece support feature with a precise position in x, y and z space and a precise orientation relative to x, y and z axes relative to the base, and wherein, when the base is aligned with the metalworking machine and secured to the table, the workpiece support feature of the first insert holds a corresponding first workpiece in corresponding precise position and orientation in x, y and z space relative to the metalworking machine, for proper machining of the first workpiece. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A manufacturing cell for performing a plurality of metalworking operations on a workpiece, wherein the manufacturing cell comprises a plurality of work stations, and wherein at least one work station comprises:
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(a) a metalworking machine comprising a table; and
(b) modular tooling apparatus secured to the table of the metalworking machine, the modular tooling apparatus comprising;
(i) a base comprising;
a securement for securing the base to a table of the metalworking machine; and
at least first and second attachment surfaces, each of the attachment surfaces comprising a locating feature on a surface thereof;
(ii) at least a first set of inserts comprising a first insert and a second insert associated with the first and second attachment surfaces, respectively, each of the inserts comprising a locating feature and a workpiece support feature on a surface thereof;
wherein each insert locating feature is configured to associate with the corresponding attachment surface locating feature, thereby defining a characteristic location for each workpiece support feature that provides the workpiece support feature with a precise position and orientation in x, y and z space relative to the base with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability, and wherein, when the base is aligned with the metalworking machine and secured to the table, the workpiece support features of the associated insert collectively and cooperatively support and hold a first workpiece in corresponding precise position and orientation in x, y and z space relative to the metalworking machine, for proper machining of the first workpiece. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification