Method of forming a modularized adjustable holding fixture

• US 6,032,348 A
• Filed: 03/20/1998
• Issued: 03/07/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 03/20/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (Northrop Grumman Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Inventors: Papazian, John M., Schwarz, Robert Charles, Haas, Edwin Gerard, Sullivan, Edward Valentine
• Primary Examiner(s): Bryant, David P.
• Application Number:
  US09/044,816
• Time in Patent Office: 718 Days
• Field of Search: 29/469, 29/434, 29/464, 29/407.05, 29/407.09, 29/407.1, 29/721, 29/281.4, 29/281.1, 29/281.5, 269/266, 269/309, 269/310, 269/900, 269/296, 269/329
• US Class Current: 29/434
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 1/035 with an array of longitudinally movable rods defining a reconfigurable support surface
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 1/2421 the parts having a linear movement
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/4984 Retaining clearance for motion between assembled parts
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49895 Associating parts by use of aligning means [e.g., use of a drift pin or a "fixture"]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49904 Assembling a subassembly, then assembling with a second subassembly
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53974 having means to permit support movement while work is thereon
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53978 including means to relatively position plural work parts

Abstract

The invention resides in a method of forming an adjustable holding fixture comprising the steps of providing a frame, providing a plurality of elongated beam modules each containing a plurality of translating members which are arranged at uniformed spacing between one another on each beam module and connecting said plurality of elongated beam modules with one another on said frame to combine the effect of each module into a single fixture.

Claims

1. A method of forming an adjustable holding fixture comprising the steps of:

providing an adjustable frame configured to stand above a support surface;

standing said frame on said support surface;

providing a plurality of elongated beam modules each having a given length and each containing a plurality of translating members which are arranged at uniformed spacing between one another on each beam module;

selecting a given number of elongated beam modules to be used in said holding fixture;

adjusting the size of said frame to accommodate the selected given number of elongated beam modules; and

connecting said plurality of elongated beam modules to said frame to combine the effects of each module into a single fixture.

2. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein each module has a single I-beam shape defined by a plurality of upper guide assemblies which are retained by an upper flange and two intermediate supports which connect to a web at inner sides thereof.

3. A method as defined in claim 2 wherein said two intermediate supports have outer sides which retain lower guide assemblies, the plurality of translating members, and a lower flange.

4. A method as defined in claim 3 wherein said lower flange also retain the lower end of the lower guide assembly and drive motors.

5. A method as defined in claim 2 wherein the guide assemblies are comprised of an upper guide housing having a threaded outer surface which threads with a securement bolt onto the upper flange, each guide assembly having an upper guide bushing with an inner surface closely fitting an outer surface of the translating member.

6. A method as defined in claim 1 further comprising providing each of said modules with an I-beam construction having a web and upper and lower flanges, and each of said modules having positional encoders and motors providing positional control.

7. A method as defined in claim 6 wherein comprising each of the translating members is part of a translating member assembly which has a lead screw which provides distinct points of displacement along the fixture and each translating member having a translating member tip at the upper end thereof and a drive nut at the lower end thereof.

8. A method as defined in claim 7 wherein one of the drive nut and the translating member has an anti-rotation means attached to it so that rotation of the lead screw imparted by the motor does not allow the translating member to rotate.

9. A method of forming an adjustable holding fixture comprising the steps of:

providing a frame;

providing a plurality of elongated beam modules each extending symmetrically along a longitudinal axis thereof and each containing a plurality of translating members which are arranged at uniformed spacing between one another on each beam module coincidentally along the longitudinal axis thereof; and

connecting said plurality of elongated beam modules with one another on said frame to combine the effects of each module into a single fixture.

10. A method as defined in claim 9 wherein each module has a single I-beam shape defined by a plurality of upper guide assemblies which are retained by an upper flange and two intermediate supports which connect to a web at inner sides thereof.

11. A method as defined in claim 10 wherein said two intermediate supports have outer sides which retain lower guide assemblies, the plurality of translating members, and a lower flange.

12. A method as defined in claim 11 wherein said lower flange also retain the lower end of the lower guide assembly and drive motors.

13. A method as defined in claim 10 wherein the guide assemblies are comprised of an upper guide housing having a threaded outer surface which threads with a securement bolt or the like onto the upper flange, each guide assembly having an upper guide bushing with an inner surface closely fitting an outer surface of the translating member.

14. A method as defined in claim 9 comprising providing each of said modules with an I-beam construction having a web and upper and lower flanges, and each of said modules having positional encoders and motors providing positional control.

15. A method as defined in claim 14 wherein each of the translating members is part of a translating member assembly which has a lead screw which provides distinct points of displacement along the fixture and each translating member having a translating member tip at the upper end thereof and a drive nut at the lower end thereof.

16. A method as defined in claim 15 wherein one of the drive nut and the translating member has an anti-rotation means attached to it so that rotation of the lead screw imparted by the motor does not allow the translating member to rotate.