Phase Change-based Fixturing for Arbitrarily Shaped Components

Issues in industrialization of RFPE (Reference Free Part Encapsulation) are discussed in this paper. The issues technique. A new method - adaptable location system (ATLS) is presented in this paper. ATLS consists of an array of pins which are controlled manually or automatically by an actuator. The actuation force comes from a shape memory alloy (SMA). Material properties of filler are very important for RFPE. The experiment has shown that machining error can be reduced by using conservative cutting parameters. Based on finite element analysis, the relationship between the deformation of the workpiece, the filler and the machining parameters has been achieved. A new approach, partial cage with active side wall (PCASW), allows machine tools to easily access any feature of the workpiece from different directions. It is convenient for every new setup.

FLEXIBLE ASSEMBLY FIXTURING LAYOUT MODELING AND OPTIMIZATION BASED ON GENETIC ALGORITHM

There are many welding fixture layout design problems of flexible parts inbody-in-white assembly process, which directly cause body assemble variation. The fixture layoutdesign quality is mainly influenced by the position and quantity of fixture locators and clamps. Ageneral analysis model of flexible assembles deformation caused by fixture is set up based on'N-2-l' locating principle, in which the locator and damper are treated as the same fixture layoutelements. An analysis model for the flexible part deformation in fixturing is set up in order toobtain the optimization object function and constraints accordingly. The final fixture elementlayout could be obtained through global optimal research by using improved genetic algorithm, whicheffectively decreases fixture elements layout influence on flexible assembles deformation.

Optimization of Fixture Number in Large Thin-Walled Parts Assembly Based on IPSO

There are lots of researches on fixture layout optimization for large thin-walled parts.Current researches focus on the positioning problem,i.e.,optimizing the positions of a constant number of fixtures.However,how to determine the number of fixtures is ignored.In most cases,the number of fixtures located on large thin-walled parts is determined based on engineering experience,which leads to huge fixture number and extra waste.Therefore,this paper constructs an optimization model to minimize the number of fixtures.The constraints are set in the optimization model to ensure that the part deformation is within the surface profile tolerance.In addition,the assembly gap between two parts is also controlled.To conduct the optimization,this paper develops an improved particle swarm optimization(IPSO)algorithm by integrating the shrinkage factor and adaptive inertia weight.In the algorithm,particles are encoded according to the fixture position.Each dimension of the particle is assigned to a sub-region by constraining the optional position range of each fixture to improve the optimization efficiency.Finally,a case study on ship curved panel assembly is provided to prove that our method can optimize the number of fixtures while meeting the assembly quality requirements.This research proposes a method to optimize the number of fixtures,which can reduce the number of fixtures and achieve deformation control at the same time.

Development of Fixture Layout Optimization for Thin-Walled Parts:A Review

An increasing number of researchers have researched fixture layout optimization for thin-walled part assembly during the past decades.However,few papers systematically review these researches.By analyzing existing literature,this paper summarizes the process of fixture layout optimization and the methods applied.The process of optimization is made up of optimization objective setting,assembly variation/deformation modeling,and fixture layout optimization.This paper makes a review of the fixture layout for thin-walled parts according to these three steps.First,two different kinds of optimization objectives are introduced.Researchers usually consider in-plane variations or out-of-plane deformations when designing objectives.Then,modeling methods for assembly variation and deformation are divided into two categories:Mechanism-based and data-based methods.Several common methods are discussed respectively.After that,optimization algorithms are reviewed systematically.There are two kinds of optimization algorithms:Traditional nonlinear programming and heuristic algorithms.Finally,discussions on the current situation are provided.The research direction of fixture layout optimization in the future is discussed from three aspects:Objective setting,improving modeling accuracy and optimization algorithms.Also,a new research point for fixture layout optimization is discussed.This paper systematically reviews the research on fixture layout optimization for thin-walled parts,and provides a reference for future research in this field.

Design a Special Fixture for Tractor Lever

Aiming at the problems of long time and poor machining precision in processing the tractor lever workpiece,a special fixture suitable for the tractor lever workpiece is designed by analyzing the processing technology of the lever workpiece,and the workpiece is accurately positioned and tightened under the action of the special fixture.Efficient machining of the workpiece can be achieved by using a drill template.The fixture not only has the advantages of high production efficiency,low cost and high life,but also effectively improves the processing technology of the workpiece,and has certain reference value for the subsequent fixture improvement design.

Flexible Fixture Design for the Top and End Surface Processing of NP2_NP4 Cylinder Heads

This paper focuses on the design of fixtures for NP2 and NP4 cylinder heads on a horizontal machining center of flexible machining automatic lines.It began with an analysis of the diagrams of part processing and working procedure which formed the basis for the design of the processing technology scheme,a selection of suitable machine tools,and the setting of processing parameters.Fixtures tailored to the chosen machine tools were then designed to meet the processing requirements.Additional aspects of the project included the design of part drawings,calculation of working time quota,design of auxiliary guides,support clamping,and hydraulic circuits,all aimed at fulfilling practical production requirements.

Fixturing technology and system for thin-walled parts machining:a review

During the overall processing of thin-walled parts(TWPs),the guaranteed capability of the machining process and quality is determined by fixtures.Therefore,reliable fixtures suitable for the structure and machining process of TWP are essential.In this review,the key role of fixtures in the manufacturing system is initially discussed.The main problems in machining and workholding due to the characteristics of TWP are then analyzed in detail.Afterward,the definition of TWP fixtures is reinterpreted from narrow and broad perspectives.Fixture functions corresponding to the issues of machining and workholding are then clearly stated.Fixture categories are classified systematically according to previous research achievements,and the operation mode,functional characteristics,and structure of each fixture are comprehensively described.The function and execution mode of TWP fixtures are then systematically summarized and analyzed,and the functions of various TWP fixtures are evaluated.Some directions for future research on TWP fixtures technology are also proposed.The main purpose of this review is to provide some reference and guidance for scholars to examine TWP fixtures.

Modelling and Performance Analysis of Visible Light Communication System in Industrial Implementations

Visible light communication(VLC)has a paramount role in industrial implementations,especially for better energy efficiency,high speed-data rates,and low susceptibility to interference.However,since studies on VLC for industrial implementations are in scarcity,areas concerning illumination optimisation and communication performances demand further investigation.As such,this paper presents a new modelling of light fixture distribution for a warehouse model to provide acceptable illumination and communication performances.The proposed model was evaluated based on various semi-angles at half power(SAAHP)and different height levels for several parameters,including received power,signal to noise ratio(SNR),and bit error rate(BER).The results revealed improvement in terms of received power and SNR with 30 Mbps data rate.Various modulations were studied to improve the link quality,whereby better average BER values of 5.55×10^(−15) and 1.06×10^(−10) had been achieved with 4 PAM and 8 PPM,respectively.The simulation outcomes are indeed viable for the practical warehouse model.

Leaky Cable Fixture Detection in Railway Tunnel Based on RW DCGAN and Compressed GS-YOLOv5

The communication system of high-speed trains in railway tunnels needs to be built with leaky cables fixed on the tunnel wall with special fixtures.To ensure safety,checking the regular leaky cable fixture is necessary to elimi-nate the potential danger.At present,the existing fixture detection algorithms are difficult to take into account detection accuracy and speed at the same time.The faulty fixture is also insufficient and difficult to obtain,seriously affecting the model detection effect.To solve these problems,an innovative detection method is proposed in this paper.Firstly,we presented the Res-Net and Wasserstein-Deep Convolution GAN(RW-DCGAN)to implement data augmentation,which can enable the faulty fixture to export more high-quality and irregular images.Secondly,we proposed the Ghost SENet-YOLOv5(GS-YOLOv5)to enhance the expression of fixture feature,and further improve the detection accuracy and speed.Finally,we adopted the model compression strategy to prune redundant channels,and visualized training details with Grad-CAM to verify the reliability of our model.Experimental results show that the algorithm model is 69.06%smaller than the original YOLOv5 model,with 70.07%fewer parameters,2.1%higher accuracy and 14.82 fps faster speed,meeting the needs of tunnel fixture detection.

New Filler Material for Reference Free Part Encapsulation Fixture

Reference free part encapsulation (RFPE) is a non-traditional universal fixturing technique. In this paper, new filler material-a lower melting point alloy for RFPE technique is introduced. Based on experiment, the shrinkage and expansion rate, the effect of filler on workpiece drift and the effect of filler thickness on cutting distortion are studied. The alloy has a good mechanical and physical performance and the need of RFPE fixturing can be perfectly satisfied. The result shows that if the formula and process parameters of filler material are properly selected, it can obviously improve the quality of the workpiece, enhance the machining efficiency and reduce the manufacturing cost.

Error Compensation of Thin Plate-shape Part with Prebending Method in Face Milling

Low weight and good toughness thin plate parts are widely used in modem industry, but its flexibility seriously impacts the machinability. Plenty of studies locus on the influence of machine tool and cutting tool on the machining errors. However, few researches focus on compensating machining errors through the fixture. In order to improve the machining accuracy of thin plate-shape part in face milling, this paper presents a novel method for compensating the surfacc errors by prebending the workpiece during the milling process. First, a machining error prediction model using finite element method is formulated, which simplifies the contacts between the workpiece and fixture with spring constraints. Milling fbrces calculated by the micro-unit cutting force model arc loaded on the error prediction model to predict the machining error. The error prediction results are substituted into the given formulas to obtain the prebending clamping forces and clamping positions. Consequently, the workpiece is prebent in terms of the calculated clamping forces and positions during the face milling operation to reduce the machining error. Finally, simulation and experimental tests are carried out to validate the correctness and efficiency of the proposed error compensation method. The experimental measured flatness results show that the flatness improves by approximately 30 percent through this error compensation method. The proposed mcthod not only predicts the machining errors in face milling thin plate-shape parts but also reduces the machining errors by taking full advantage of the workpiece prebending caused by fixture, meanwhile, it provides a novel idea and theoretical basis for reducing milling errors and improving the milling accuracy.

Modeling and Compensation Technology for the Comprehensive Errors of Fixture System

Error modelling and compensating technology is an effective method to improve the processing precision.The position and orientation deviation of workpiece is caused by the fixing and manufacturing errors of the fixture.How to reduce the position and orientation deviation of workpiece has become a technical problem of improving the processing quality of workpiece.In order to increase machining accuracy,an implementation scheme of fixture system comprehensive errors（FSCE） compensation is proposed.A FSCE parameter model is established by analyzing the influence of contact points on the position and orientation of workpiece.Meanwhile,a parameter identification method for FSCE parameter model is presented by using the 3-2-1 deterministic positioning fixture,which determines the model parameters.Moreover,a FSCE compensation model is formulated to study the compensation value of the cutting position.By using RenishawOMP60 Probe and combining vertical machining centre（SKVH850） equipment with SKY2001 Open CNC System,on-machine verification system（OMVS） is built to measure FSCE successfully.The processing error can be reduced by analyzing the cutting position of the tool with the homogeneous transformation of space coordinate system.Finally,the compensation experiment of real time errors is conducted,and the cylindricality and perpendicularity errors of hole surface are reduced by 30.77% and 28.57%,respectively.This paper provides a new way of realizing the compensation of FCSE,which can improve the machining accuracy of workpiece largely.

A comprehensive review on biocompatible Mg-based alloys as temporary orthopaedic implants:Current status,challenges,and future prospects

Mg and its alloys are drawing huge attention since the last two decades as a viable option for temporary implants applications.A commendable progress has already been made in the development of these alloys.The biodegradable nature of Mg,appreciable biocompatibility of elemental Mg,and its close resemblance to natural bone in terms of density and elastic modulus make them highly preferable option amongst other available alternatives in this field.This review article presents an overview covering the recent advancements made in the field of Mg-based biodegradable implants for orthopaedic implant applications.The paper focuses on alloy development and fabrication techniques,the state of the art of important Mg-based alloy systems in terms of their mechanical properties,in-vitro and in-vivo degradation behaviour and cytotoxicity.Further,the paper reviews the current progress achieved in the clinical transition of Mg-based alloys for orthopaedic fixtures.The review also includes the degradation mechanisms of the alloys in physiological environment and highlights the mismatch existing between the rate of bone healing and alloy degradation due to rapid corrosion of the alloys in such environment,which has still restricted their widespread application.Finally,the surface coating techniques available for the alloys as an effective way to reduce the degradation rate are reviewed,followed by a discussion on the future research prospects.

LOCATORS OPTIMIZATION FOR MEASURING FIXTURE DESIGN

'N-2-1' principle is widely recognized in the fixture design for deformablesheet metal workpieces, where N, the locators on primary datum, is the key to sheet metal fixturedesign. However, little research is done on how to determine the positions and the number of Nlocators. In practice, the N locators are frequently designed from experience, which is oftenunsatisfactory for achieving the precision requirement in fixture design. A new method to lay outthe N locators for measuring fixture of deformable sheet metal workpiece is presented, given thefixed number of A'. Finite-element method is used to model and analysis the deformation of differentlocator layouts. A knowledge based genetic algorithm (KBGA) is applied to identify the optimumlocator layout for measuring fixture design. An example of a door outer is used to verify theoptimization approach.

A Study on Modular Fixture Design with Intelligent Selection of Elements and Interactive Assembly

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Application and Realization of Rapid Searching Technology in the RL & SM Universal Fixture System

A searching-machining system of RL & SM (Rapid Location and State Memory) universal fixture is here introduced, and the concept of rapid searching technology and manufacturing information transformation is then described, with the appropriate control methods and key techniques for its realization being proposed and also practically realized. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the proposed idea and methods are feasible to serve as in the practical application of the RL & SM system.

Topological Optimization Method for Aeronautical Thin-Walled Component Fixture Locating Layout

Fixture locating layout has a direct and influential impact on aeronautical thin-walled component(ATWC)manufacturing quality.The purpose is to develop a topological optimization method for ATWC fixture locating layout to minimize the manufacturing deformation.Firstly,a topological optimization model that takes the stiffness of ATWC as the objective function and the volume of the locating structure as the constraint is established.Secondly,ATWC and the locating structure are regarded as an integrated entity,and the variable-density method based topological optimization approach is adopted for the optimization of the locating structure using ABAQUS topology optimization module(ATOM).Thirdly,through a subsequent model reconstruction referring to the obtained topological structure,the optimal fixture locating layout is achieved.Finally,a case study is conducted to verify the proposed method and the comparison results with firefly algorithm(FA)coupled with finite element analysis(FEA)indicate that the number and positions of the locators for ATWC can be optimized simultaneously and successfully by the proposed topological optimization model.

Parametric Design of Modular Fixture Structure

Based on an example of its typical structure, the concept of modular fixture structure module is presented, and the structure module system of modular fixture is summarized. Then the parametric design of structure is discussed, and its advantages are also emphasized.Furthermore, some specific methods are provided, such as the selection of fixture components, the determination and input of parameters, drawing representative model,and the creation of drawing. Finally an applied example of strcture parametric design is presented.

Numerical simulation of horizontal transversal displacement under different fixed clamping force of welding fixture for superalloy during TIG welding

A numerical model is established by Abaqus software for superalloy during tungsten inert gas （TIG） welding with welding fixture to simulate the weld temperature filed, stress and strain field, and weld plate＇s horizontal trasnsveral shift. The clamp force perpendicular to the weld plate varying with welding time was analyzed. The maximum clamp force during welding process was calculated. Under the condition of insufficient of clamping force, a half or one third of the maximum clamp force for example, the weld plate＇s horizontal transversal displacement could happen and also be computed.

Case-based retrieval approach for machining fixture design utilizingontology

In order to develop an intelligent case-based reasoning （CBR） system to reuse fixture de- sign knowledge, ontology technology was integrated in CBR system by semantic annotation of fixture design case. Domain ontology of fixture design was constructed; concepts and relations were de- fined and represented. The 2-level similarity evaluation approach of domain ontology was presented. The concept similarity of cases was calculated as the first grade case retrieval. Numerical measure- ment was the second grade case retrieval, which adopted various methods to calculate different types of attribute values. The problem of similarity measurement of fixture design case was resolved. Pro- totype system based on the proposed method was illustrated and the retrieval approach was proved to be efficient.