Abstract
A multi-axis alignment tool including: a main body, a primary base, a puck, a first puck adjuster, a second puck adjuster, a puck retainer, a secondary base, a first pivot pin, a second pivot pin, a pivot block, a clamp head, an adjustment pin, a lock-down spacer, a first clamp finger, and a second clamp finger, wherein the multi-axis alignment tool is configured for to at least one of clamp, align, and position a work part in three axes.
Claims
1. A multi-axis alignment tool, comprising: a main body; a primary base; a puck; a first puck adjuster; a second puck adjuster; a puck retainer; a secondary base; a first pivot pin; a pivot block; a clamp head; an adjustment pin; a lock-down spacer; and a second pivot pin; and wherein the multi-axis alignment tool is configured to at least one of clamp, align, and position a work part in three axes.
2. The multi-axis alignment tool according to claim 1, wherein the primary base is positioned below and releasably secured to the main body.
3. The multi-axis alignment tool according to claim 2, wherein the puck is positioned within the main body and rotatably secured to the main body.
4. The multi-axis alignment tool according to claim 3, wherein the lock-down spacer is positioned within an aperture on a top surface of the main body.
5. The multi-axis alignment tool according to claim 4, wherein the adjustment pin is positioned at least partially within an aperture on a bottom surface of the main body.
6. The multi-axis alignment tool according to claim 5, wherein the adjustment pin is positioned at least partially within an aperture of the primary base.
7. The multi-axis alignment tool according to claim 6, wherein the first and second puck adjusters are positioned within independent open slots of the puck.
8. The multi-axis alignment tool according to claim 7, wherein the puck retainer is positioned within a central aperture of the puck.
9. The multi-axis alignment tool according to claim 8, wherein the puck retainer is releasably retained within a central aperture of the puck.
10. The multi-axis alignment tool according to claim 9, wherein the secondary base encloses the puck and is positioned adjacent to the primary base.
11. The multi-axis alignment tool according to claim 10, wherein the first pivot pin is positioned within the pivot block.
12. The multi-axis alignment tool according to claim 11, wherein a portion of the secondary base is positioned within the pivot block and the first pivot pin.
13. The multi-axis alignment tool according to claim 12, wherein the clamp head is positioned adjacent to and releasably secured to the pivot block.
14. The multi-axis alignment tool according to claim 13, further comprising a first clamp finger and a second clamp finger, wherein the first clamp finger and the second clamp finger are releasably received within independent slots of the clamp head.
15. The multi-axis alignment tool according to claim 14, wherein the second pivot pin is positioned within a portion of the primary base and the main body.
16. A multi-axis alignment tool, comprising: a main body; a primary base; a puck; a first puck adjuster; a second puck adjuster; a puck retainer; a secondary base; a first pivot pin; a pivot block; a clamp head; an adjustment pin; a lock-down spacer; and a second pivot pin; and wherein the primary base is positioned below and releasably secured to the main body; wherein the puck is positioned within the main body and rotatably secured to the main body; wherein the lock-down spacer is positioned within an aperture on a top surface of the main body; wherein the adjustment pin is positioned at least partially within an aperture on a bottom surface of the main body; wherein the first and second puck adjusters are positioned within independent open slots of the puck; wherein the puck retainer is positioned within a central aperture of the puck; wherein the secondary base encloses the puck and is positioned adjacent to the primary base; wherein the first pivot pin is positioned within the pivot block; wherein a portion of the secondary base is positioned within the pivot block and the first pivot pin; and wherein the clamp head is positioned adjacent to and releasably secured to the pivot block.
17. The multi-axis alignment tool according to claim 16, further comprising a first clamp finger and a second clamp finger, wherein the first clamp finger and the second clamp finger are releasably received within independent slots of the clamp head.
18. The multi-axis alignment tool according to claim 17, wherein the second pivot pin is positioned within a portion of the primary base and the main body.
19. A multi-axis alignment tool, consisting of: a main body; a primary base; a puck; a first puck adjuster; a second puck adjuster; a puck retainer; a secondary base; a first pivot pin; a second pivot pin; a pivot block; a clamp head; an adjustment pin; a lock-down spacer; a first clamp; and a second clamp finger; wherein the multi-axis alignment tool is configured to at least one of clamp, align, and position a work part in three axes; and wherein any remainder parts comprise washers, bolts and/or fasteners.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] Certain embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by the accompanying figures. It will be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale and that details not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may be omitted. It will be further understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.
[0032] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:
[0033] FIG. 1A of the drawings is an isometric view of a multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 1B of the drawings is a side view of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 1C of the drawings is a top plan view of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 1D of the drawings is a front end view of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 2A of the drawings is an exploded isometric view of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 2B of the drawings is an exploded side view of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 2C of the drawings is an exploded top plan view of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 2D of the drawings is an exploded front end view of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 3A of the drawings is an isometric view of the main body of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 3B of the drawings is a side view of the main body of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 3C of the drawings is a top plan view of the main body of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 3D of the drawings is a front end view of the main body of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 4A of the drawings is an isometric view of the primary base of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 4B of the drawings is a side view of the primary base of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 4C of the drawings is a top plan view of the primary base of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 4D of the drawings is a front end view of the primary base of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 5A of the drawings is an isometric view of the puck of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 5B of the drawings is a side view of the puck of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 5C of the drawings is a top plan view of the puck of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 5D of the drawings is a front end view of the puck of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0053] FIG. 6A of the drawings is an isometric view of the puck adjuster of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 6B of the drawings is a side view of the puck adjuster of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0055] FIG. 6C of the drawings is a top plan view of the puck adjuster of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 6D of the drawings is a front end view of the puck adjuster of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 7A of the drawings is an isometric view of the puck retainer of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 7B of the drawings is a side view of the puck retainer of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0059] FIG. 7C of the drawings is a front end view of the puck retainer of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 8A of the drawings is an isometric view of the secondary base of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 8B of the drawings is a side view of the secondary base of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 8C of the drawings is a top plan view of the secondary base of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 8D of the drawings is a front end view of the secondary base of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 9A of the drawings is a front isometric view of the first pivot pin of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0065] FIG. 9B of the drawings is a front side view of the first pivot pin of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0066] FIG. 9C of the drawings is a rear isometric view of the first pivot pin of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0067] FIG. 9D of the drawings is a rear side view of the first pivot pin of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0068] FIG. 9E of the drawings is a top plan view of the first pivot pin of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0069] FIG. 9F of the drawings is a front end view of the first pivot pin of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0070] FIG. 10A of the drawings is a front isometric view of the pivot block of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0071] FIG. 10B of the drawings is a front view of the pivot block of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0072] FIG. 10C of the drawings is a rear isometric view of the pivot block of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0073] FIG. 10D of the drawings is a rear view of the pivot block of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0074] FIG. 10E of the drawings is a top plan view of the pivot block of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0075] FIG. 10F of the drawings is a side view of the pivot block of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0076] FIG. 11A of the drawings is an isometric view of the clamp head of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0077] FIG. 11B of the drawings is a side view of the clamp head of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0078] FIG. 11C of the drawings is a top plan view of the clamp head of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0079] FIG. 11D of the drawings is a front end view of the clamp head of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0080] FIG. 12A of the drawings is an isometric view of the clamp finger of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0081] FIG. 12B of the drawings is a side view of the clamp finger of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0082] FIG. 12C of the drawings is a top plan view of the clamp finger of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0083] FIG. 12D of the drawings is a front end view of the clamp finger of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0084] FIG. 13A of the drawings is an isometric view of the adjustment pin of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0085] FIG. 13B of the drawings is a top plan view of the adjustment pin of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0086] FIG. 13C of the drawings is a front end view of the adjustment pin of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0087] FIG. 14A of the drawings is an isometric view of the lock-down spacer of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0088] FIG. 14B of the drawings is a side view of the lock-down spacer of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0089] FIG. 14C of the drawings is a top plan view of the lock-down spacer of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0090] FIG. 14D of the drawings is a front end view of the lock-down spacer of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0091] FIG. 15A of the drawings is an isometric view of the second pivot pin of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0092] FIG. 15B of the drawings is a side view of the second pivot pin of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
[0093] FIG. 15C of the drawings is a top plan view of the second pivot pin of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention; and
[0094] FIG. 16 of the drawings is an isometric view of the multi-axis alignment tool manufactured in accordance with the present invention, showing among other things, operational control locations for multi-axis alignment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0095] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is disclosed and described herein in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
[0096] It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings with like reference characters. It will be further understood that FIGS. 1A-16 are merely schematic representations of multi-axis alignment tool 10. As such, some of the components have been distorted from their actual scale for pictorial clarityincluding the deletion of aperture/port threads and conventional fasteners.
[0097] In accordance with the present invention, the multi-axis alignment tool enables a user to rapidly, accurately, and/or securely clamp, align, and/or position work part(s), in up to three axes, so that other operations can be performed on the part(s) in a very efficient manner.
[0098] Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly, to FIGS. 1A-1D in non-exploded view and FIGS. 2A-2D in exploded view, multi-axis alignment tool 10 is shown, which generally comprises main body 100, primary base 200, puck 300, puck adjusters 400, puck retainer 500, secondary base 600, first pivot pin 700, pivot block 800, clamp head 900, clamp fingers 1000, adjustment pin 1100, lock-down spacer 1200, and second pivot pin 1300.
[0099] As is best shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, main body 100 of multi-axis alignment tool 10 includes top surface 101, bottom surface 102, front surface 103, rear surface 104, left side 105, right side 106, puck retaining aperture 107, lock-down spacer aperture 108, second pivot pin aperture 109, adjustment pin aperture 110, accessory apertures/ports 111, and elongated front lip 112. As will be discussed in greater detail herein below, during normal use, primary base 200 is positioned below and releasably secured to main body 100, and puck 300 is positioned within puck retaining aperture 107 and rotatably secured to main body 100. Moreover, lock-down spacer 1200 is positioned within lock-down spacer aperture 108 on top surface 101 of main body 100. Furthermore, adjustment pin 1100 is positioned at least partially within adjustment pin aperture 110 on bottom surface 102 of main body 100.
[0100] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4D, primary base 200 of multi-axis alignment tool 10 includes top surface 201, bottom surface 202, front surface 203, rear surface 204, left side 205, right side 206, first mounting aperture 207, second mounting aperture 208, second pivot pin aperture 209, adjustment pin aperture 210, accessory apertures/ports 211, and side slots 212. Second pivot pin 1300 is received within second pivot pin aperture 209, and adjustment pin 1100 is received within adjustment pin aperture 210.
[0101] As is best shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, puck 300 of multi-axis alignment tool 10 includes top surface 301, bottom surface 302, front surface 303, rear surface 304, left side 305, right side 306, puck adjuster slots 307, puck retainer aperture 308, grooves 309, and accessory apertures/ports 311. Puck 300 is positioned within main body 100 during normal use.
[0102] As is shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, puck adjusters 400 of multi-axis alignment tool 10 include top surface 401, bottom surface 402, front surface 403, rear surface 404, left side 405, right side 406, and accessory apertures/ports 411. First and second puck adjusters 400 are positioned within independent open slots 307 of puck 300.
[0103] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, puck retainer 500 of multi-axis alignment tool 10 includes cylindrical body 501, head 502, and accessory aperture/port 511. Puck retainer 500 is releasably retained within a central aperture of puck 300 and releasably secured to main body 100.
[0104] Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8D, secondary base 600 of multi-axis alignment tool 10 includes top surface 601, bottom surface 602, front surface 603, rear surface 604, left side 605, right side 606, first pivot pin tab 607, and accessory apertures/ports 611. Secondary base 600 encloses puck 300, and is positioned adjacent to main body 100 and primary base 200.
[0105] As is shown in FIGS. 9A-9F, first pivot pin 700 of multi-axis alignment tool 10 includes cylindrical body 701, radial groove 702, first pivot pin tab aperture 703, and accessory aperture/port 711. During normal use first pivot pin 700 is positioned within pivot block 800.
[0106] Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10F, pivot block 800 of multi-axis alignment tool 10 includes top surface 801, bottom surface 802, front surface 803, rear surface 804, left side 805, right side 806, first pivot pin aperture 807, first pivot pin tab aperture 808, clamp head mounting flange 809, and accessory apertures/ports 811. A portion of secondary base 600 is positioned within both pivot block 800 and first pivot pin 700.
[0107] Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11D, clamp head 900 of multi-axis alignment tool 10 includes top surface 901, bottom surface 902, front surface 903, rear surface 904, left side 905, right side 906, female slot 907 for receiving mounting flange 809 of pivot block 800, clamp finger receiving slots 910, and accessory apertures/ports 911. Clamp head 900 is positioned adjacent to and releasably secured to pivot block 800.
[0108] Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12D, clamp fingers 1000 of multi-axis alignment tool 10 include top surface 1001, bottom surface 1002, front surface 1003, rear surface 1004, left side 1005, right side 1006, finger member 1007, and accessory apertures/ports 1011. Clamp fingers 1000 are independently, releasably received within clamp finger receiving slots 910 of clamp head 900.
[0109] As is shown in FIGS. 13A-13C, adjustment pin 1100 of multi-axis alignment tool 10 includes cylindrical body 1101, planar surface 1102, and accessory aperture/port 1111.
[0110] As is shown in FIGS. 14A-14D, lock-down spacer 1200 of multi-axis alignment tool 10 includes elliptical body 1201 and accessory aperture/port 1211.
[0111] As is shown in FIGS. 15A-15C, second pivot pin 1300 of multi-axis alignment tool 10 includes cylindrical body 1301, head 1302, and accessory aperture/port 1311.
[0112] In operation and as is best shown in FIG. 16, a user starts multi-axis alignment with tool 10 by clamping a part in clamp head 900 and tightening clamp head fingers 1000. Once the part is secured, the user typically uses an indicator to sweep/validate alignment utilizing the following steps. First, the 3.sup.rd axis is aligned by adjusting a standard 10-32 socket head cap screw (SHCS) which located on pivot block 800 (Location C). Once the alignment is confirmed or validated, then the users secures the SHCS on the pivot block (Location A). Next, the 2.sup.nd axis is aligned by adjusting two 10-32 SHCS's at the front main body 100 (Location B). The two 10-32 SHCS's act as a push-pull system. A user simply loosens the screw on the same side of the part that indicates high and tightens the screw that reads low. This is done until the part is aligned in the 2.sup.nd axis. Once the alignment is confirmed or validated, then the axis is secured by making sure the two SHCS's (Location B) are tight. Next, the 1.sup.st axis is aligned by adjusting the SHCS (Location E) on the first pivot pin (Location rear D) and the lockdown SHCS (Location front D). The user will then snug both screws down slightly, but not so tight that the first axis will not move. The user then adjusts the first axis by turning the 10-32 SHCS located on the side of the primary base (Location E). Once the alignment is confirmed or validated, then the user secures the SHCS's (Locations front and rear D) on the main body. Lastly, the user cuts or modifies the aligned part.
[0113] The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.
