Abstract
In order to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of fixture planning, a fixture planning must include three major steps: (a) fixture design, (b) fixture analysis, and (c) fixture verification. Furthermore, an efficient fixture management in hardware selection can assist the accomplishment of the planning steps in workholding. Based on the workpart geometry and machining conditions, fixture design focuses on fixture element selection and layout design. Fixture analysis aims at analyzing the behavior of the workholding system (i.e., stress-strain distribution) under machining. In order to minimize possible machining errors, fixture verification is utilized to physically validate the fixture design. First, this thesis research presents a V-block locating and clamping algorithm to enhance the automated modular fixture design, which, in the past, seldom consider the V-block applications. Second, the finite element analysis method is applied to demonstrate fixture analysis. Third, the stress-strain workholding experiments are implemented to physically verify the fixture plan. Finally, a computer-aided hydraulic fixture hardware management system is developed and implemented to enhance the workholding efficiency. From a systematic point of view, this thesis integrates the process and techniques of these main tasks so that a scientific and systematic "cook-book" procedure for fixture planning is established. A computer-aided system integrating the fixturing techniques and methodologies is provided to promote the fixturing automation. Finally, a case study demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed procedure and approaches. It is our attempt to provide an efficient approach for fixture planning so that the lead time before manufacturing can be reduced and, thus, the quick response to market can be achieved.