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Title: Processor and method for developing a set of admissible fixture designs for a workpiece

Patent ·
OSTI ID:870564
 [1];  [2];  [3];  [4]
  1. 4204 Landau NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111
  2. 1006 W. Edgeware Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90026
  3. 244 Wilson Way, Albany, CA 94710
  4. Computer Science Division, 529 Soda Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-1776

A fixture process and method is provided for developing a complete set of all admissible fixture designs for a workpiece which prevents the workpiece from translating or rotating. The fixture processor generates the set of all admissible designs based on geometric access constraints and expected applied forces on the workpiece. For instance, the fixture processor may generate a set of admissible fixture designs for first, second and third locators placed in an array of holes on a fixture plate and a translating clamp attached to the fixture plate for contacting the workpiece. In another instance, a fixture vice is used in which first, second, third and fourth locators are used and first and second fixture jaws are tightened to secure the workpiece. The fixture process also ranks the set of admissible fixture designs according to a predetermined quality metric so that the optimal fixture design for the desired purpose may be identified from the set of all admissible fixture designs.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
Assignee:
Brost, Randolph C. (4204 Landau NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111);Goldberg, Kenneth Y. (1006 W. Edgeware Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90026);Wallack, Aaron S. (244 Wilson Way, Albany, CA 94710);Canny, John (Computer Science Division, 529 Soda Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-1776)
Patent Number(s):
US 5546314
Application Number:
08/466112
OSTI ID:
870564
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English