Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-gvvz8 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-26T08:43:36.909Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

A theoretical framework for automatic layout of machining fixtures

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2009

Yon-Chun Chou
Affiliation:
114 Marston Hall, Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, U.S.A.

Abstract

Fixtures are used in almost all manufacturing operations. They take on many different forms, ranging from simple mechanical vises to modular fixtures to specialized fixtures. For cylindrical parts or simple prismatic parts, automatic design of fixtures is feasible. However, for parts of irregular shape such as castings or forged parts, the automation of fixture design is a complex problem. In this paper we address the problem of fixture layout for parts of complicated shape. Issues related to automatic design such as completeness, soundness, and computing efficiency are first discussed. A theoretical framework based on algebraic formulations is developed which models human reasoning employed for workpiece restraint. These formulations will ensure the completeness and soundness of the design methodology. They also provide a mechanism for constraint propagation in the design space. Finally, the generality of the framework is discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Asada, H. and By, A. B. 1985. Kinematic analysis of workpart fixturing for flexible assembly with automatically reconfigurable fixtures. IEEE Journal of Robotics and Automation, Vol. RA-1(2), 8694.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Asada, H. and Kitagawa, M. 1988. Form closure grasping by a reconfigurable universal gipper. Proceedings of Manufacturing International, 3, 8590.Google Scholar
Bausch, J. J. and Youcef-Toumi, K. 1990. Kinematic methods for automatic fixture reconfiguration planning. Proceedings of Robotics and Automation, IEEE, 2, 13961401.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bidanda, B. and Cohen, P. H. 1990. Development of a computer aided fixture selection system for concentric, rotational parts. Proceedings of the Symposium on Advances in Integrated Product Design and Manufacturing ASME Winter Annual Meeting, Dallas, TX, Nov., pp. 219226.Google Scholar
Boerma, J. R. and Kals, H. J. J. 1988. FIXES, a system for automatic selection of set-ups and design of fixtures. CIRP, pp. 443446.Google Scholar
Chou, Y.-C. 1988. Automatic design of fixtures for machining processes. PhD Dissertation, Purdue University.Google Scholar
Chou, Y.-C. 1990. A methodology for automatic layout of fixture elements based on machining forces considerations. Proceedings of the Symposium on Advances in Integrated Product Design and Manufacturing, ASME Winter Annual Meeting, Dallas, TX, Nov. pp. 181189.Google Scholar
Chou, Y.-C. and Barash, M. M. 1990. Automatic configuration of machining fixtures: object constraint reasoning. Proceedings of Manufacturing International, 4, 1520.Google Scholar
Darvishi, A. R. and Gill, K. F. 1988. Knowledge representation database for the development of a fixture design expert system. 202, No. Bl, 3749.Google Scholar
Englert, P. J. and Wright, P. K. 1986. Application of artificial intelligence and the design of fixtures for automated manufacturing. International Conference Robotics and Automation, IEEE. pp. 345351.Google Scholar
Goldman, A. J. and Tucker, A. W. 1956. Polyhedral convex cones. Annals of Mathematical Studies, 38, 1939.Google Scholar
Gordon, S. J. and Seering, W. P. 1988. Reconfigurable assembly fixtures. Proceedings of Manufacturing International, 3, 9196.Google Scholar
Jiang, W., Wang, Z. and Cai, Y. 1988. Computer-aided group fixture design. CIRP, 145148.Google Scholar
Mani, M. and Wilson, W. R. D. 1988. Automated design of workholding fixtures using kinematic constraint synthesis. Proceedings of the North American Manufacturing Research Conference, 16, 437444.Google Scholar
Markus, A. 1988. Strategies for the automated generation of modular fixtures. Proceedings of Manufacturing International, 3, 97103.Google Scholar
Menassa, R. J. and DeVries, W. R. 1990. A design synthesis and optimization method for fixtures with compliant element. Proceedings of the Symposium on Advances in Integrated Product Design and Manufacturing, ASME Winter Annual Meeting, Dallas, TX, Nov., pp. 203218.Google Scholar
Nnaji, B. O. and Lyu, P. 1991. Rules for an expert fixturing system for face milling planar surfaces on a CAD system using flexible fixtures. International Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 1, 3148.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ohwovoriole, M. S. and Roth, B. 1981. An extension of screw theory. Journal of Mechanical Design, Transactions of ASME, 103, 725735.Google Scholar
Pham, D. T., Nategh, M. J. and de Sam Lazoro, A. 1989. A knowledge-based jig and fixture designers assistant. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 4, 2645.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Reuleaux, F. 1876. Kinematics of machinery, Macmillan and Co., London, pp. 98114.Google Scholar
Sturges, R. H. 1990. Toward a rational workholding methology. Proceedings of Robotics and Automation, IEEE, 3, 17381743.Google Scholar
Trappey, J. C. A. and Liu, C. R. 1990. Automatic generation of configuration for fixturing an arbitrary workpiece using projective spatial occupancy enumeration approach. Proceedings of the Symposium on Advances in Integrated Product Design and Manufacturing, ASME Winter Annual Meeting, Dallas, TX, Nov., pp. 191202.Google Scholar