An apparatus and method for supporting an object. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a support structure, a positioning system, and a retention system. The positioning system may be associated with the support structure and configured to position the support structure with respect to a number of linear axes. The retention system may be associated with the support structure. The retention system may be configured to retain a portion of an object and move the portion of the object towards a platform such that the portion of the object substantially conforms to a shape of the platform.

This multi-product pallet device (1) includes a multi-product pallet (2) deforming a shape thereof in conformity with a shape of a workpiece; and a device main body (3) to which the multi-product pallet is attached and which stores shape restoration data for deforming the multi-product pallet and restores the shape of the multi-product pallet based on the shape restoration data, wherein the multi-product pallet is detachable from the device main body.

A method for adjusting a workpiece-supporting module includes: setting initial support position information of a workpiece, the initial support position information including positions of support devices and a spacing value for separating the support devices; according to the initial support position information, applying a finite element method to analyze a CAD file of the workpiece to obtain workpiece deformation information; according to the workpiece deformation information and target workpiece deformation information, realizing support position information corresponding to each support device, the support position information including X-axis coordinates and Y-axis coordinates; according to the support position information and a conversion program, obtaining a Z-axis coordinate and a normal vector of each support devices; and, according to the support position information, the Z-axis coordinate and the normal vector, adjusting the position and the angle of each support device. In addition, a variable system for adjusting the same workpiece-supporting module is also proposed.

A receiving device for receiving an object of any shape includes a horizontally extending base plate with a plurality of threaded bores being defined in the base plate, where the plurality of threaded bores are spaced apart across the base plate. The receiving device further includes a plurality of supports, where each of the plurality of supports extends between a first end and a second end. Each of the plurality of supports is screwed proximate the first end into the plurality of threaded bores such that the second ends of the plurality of supports project vertically upward at a specific height from the base plate such that an object of any shape is placeable in a desired position on the second ends of the plurality of supports.

A device for stabilizing a workpiece, in particular a thin-walled workpiece mounted in a machine tool, comprises at least one base; and a plurality of stabilizing elements. The stabilizing elements protrude away from one surface of the base, wherein the stabilizing element comprises a cylinder and a rod arranged therein and the rod can be driven hydraulically to move in the axial direction of the stabilizing element such that the rod of at least two of the stabilizing elements can be brought into contact with one surface of the workpiece.

A tooling fixture includes a tilt platform including an indexing point, defining an intersection of orthogonal axes, and a frame assembly coupled to the tilt platform. The frame assembly is configured to support rotational movement of the tilt platform about two of the orthogonal axes. A location of the indexing point is fixed relative to a reference frame during rotational movement of the tilt platform. The frame assembly allows access to the tilt platform from a direction opposite the frame.

Provided is a machining method for improving machining quality for a machining target by minimizing vibrations occurring during machining of each machining region, deformation of a shape of the machining region, and a position error of the machining region by selecting a machining path in consideration of the number of fixing jigs and a distance between jigs at each machining region. A method for machining a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) using a machining path and a machining order in view of a jig arrangement includes i) an operation in which shape data of a machining target is input to a controller ii) an operation in which a position of each of a plurality of flexible jigs is controlled, iii) an operation in which when the machining target is seated on the flexible jig, position information of the machining target in contact with each of the flexible jigs is generated and transferred to the controller, iv) an operation in which the controller generates a machining path according to a start machining region and a machining order for the machining target by comparing the input position of the flexible jig with position and shape data of the machining target, and v) performing machining, by a tool, on the machining target.

An apparatus for supporting at least one component includes a supporting device having a first and at least one second support element, which are mounted movably relative to each other, and a shape-defining device with a surface contour which fits, at least in some regions, a contour of a supporting section of the component. The supporting device can be placed against the shape-defining device, and, by contact of the at least two support elements with the surface contour of the shape-defining device, the first support element can be moved into a defined position relative to the at least second support element, in which position the at least two support elements reproduce the contour of the supporting section, at least in some regions.

A fabrication fixture suitable for retaining a workpiece. The fabrication fixture includes a first housing having a plurality of reversibly connected modular subsections and a plurality of independently adjustable supports. A second housing has a plurality of reversibly connected modular subsections and a plurality of independently adjustable supports. In use, the first and second housings at least in part envelop the workpiece such that the independently adjustable supports retain the workpiece within the first and second housings, so as to allow the retained workpiece to be moved. A method of moving a workpiece is also disclosed.

According to the present invention, there is provided a fabrication fixture for retaining a workpiece, comprising: a first housing; a second housing; said housing comprising; an independently adjustable support; wherein the first and second housing substantially envelop said workpiece to allow the workpiece to be moved.