E-LEARNING SYSTEM FOR FIXTURE DESIGN

Neculai Eugen SEGHEDIN, Dragos CHITARIU

Technical University Gheorghe Asachi, Street Prof. Dr. D. Mangeron nr. 57, Iasi, Romania
nseghed2003@yahoo.com, chitariudragos@gmail.com
Abstract: The devices are used to fasten the parts or the tools within various mechanical processing
operations on machine tools. The devices can be manufactured to meet certain internal requirements of
the factory (technological devices), or may have the market destination, being sold to other companies.
Currently, for example, are sold parts of devices that perform certain functions (orientation,
positioning, fixing, driving, tilting, partitioning, etc.). Thus, there are numerous databases from various
companies, which include such devices parts. The paper presents an e-learning system for students'
learning of principles, rules and methodologies for using these elements in devices designing. The
context in which the system is structured is that to respect the stages, phases and activities from the 12E
design methodology of the devices. Students receive a optimal scheme for orientation- clamping,
following that, based on some design principles, methods and rules, to create a device from the
elements found in the databases of e-learning system.
Keywords: fixtures, manufacturing, machine-tools, databases, modularity.
I. INTRODUCTION
Fixtures are components of manufacturing systems which are used to hold a workpiece or tool
in a particular place in connection with the other elements of the technological system or
manufacturing process. From a technical point of view, these devices maximize precision in terms of
orientation and position by eliminating the subjective errors introduced by the human operator [5],
[10], [16], [18]. By using mechanized operations which allow a constant clamping force this reduces
clamping errors. Also, these devices allow a more rigid grip, by applying a strong clamping force with
the help of hydraulic, pneumatic, electromechanical systems. From an economical point of view, using
fixtures leads to considerable reductions of time rates by reducing the amount of time spent clamping
and un-clamping workpieces during mechanized operations or in the case of holding more pieces
together. Moreover, the overall time is reduced in the case of clamping more workpieces or combo
kits. Time is also saved by using fixtures with charging-discharging qualities. Economical advantages
are possible in some situations where the work force is less trained thus operations such as line-tracing,
orientation following the line-tracing etc., which require highly-qualified human operators. From an
ergonomic point of view, using fixtures leads to a reduction in the human operators physical exertion
and it also has a positive influence on safety and security at work having the possibility to apply a
greater force. A very important aspect in the design and the efficient use of fixtures consists of the
following of norms and standards prescribed in making them. In this respect, the pedagogic activities
with the students studying Industrial Engineering have in mind the acquiring of the principles, rules
and methodologies in the systematic design of fixtures that meet these norms and standards [6], [7],
[8], [9]. To make teaching effective an e-learning tool has been conceived that would allow students to
develop fixtures for different engineering designs. The E-learning system is based on the 12E
Methodology for conceptualizing and designing fixtures [3], [4].



II. THE 12E METHODOLOGY FOR CONCEPTUALIZING AND
DESIGNING OF FIXTURES
One of the most modern and high-performance methodologies of the engineering design of
fixtures is the 12E Methodology (figure 1), developed by Prof. Nicolae Gherghel from the Technical
University Gheorghe Asachi of Iasi. This methodology was published for the first time in 1979 and
was later enhanced. What is characteristic to this engineering design process of fixtures is choosing the
optimum, in the designing process, from several possible choices. The methodology also provides the
details about the methods and steps to be carried out through which these choices are generated. These
ideas are in accordance with Dscartes principles mentioned in Discourse on the Method where it is
stated that in order to solve a problem, all possibilities have to be analyzed so that nothing gets lost.
[2].

Figure 1. The 12E Methodology for conceptualizing and designing of devices [3], [4]



The methodology consists of 12 steps, each with its own phases and activities. The
engineering design process can be more or less detailed depending on the fixtures use, manufacturing
series etc. In the cases where the manufactured fixture is designed for the market, the engineering
design is described in detail in a document which contains the technical details, market studies,
economic impact studies, previews of the target market and the target buyers etc. If the fixture is made
for use within the factory, the engineering design is made up of specific less detailed instructions
which consist of a graphic and a written part. Thus the workpiece that must be clasped onto the device
is described indicating the surfaces that must be processed. Also, the tool machine onto which the
fixture will be placed is also indicated as well as the manufacturing series of the piece. In some cases
the engineering design consists of an excerpt taken from the technical documentation (operations
plans, technical sheets etc.).
The first stage, titled Analysis of the engineering design process of the project. Gathering
data. Establishing preliminary data, has a role in preparing the designing process. The analysis of the
engineering design refers to the understanding of the design specifications needed in the making of the
final product. Assessing the precision in the manufacturing of the surfaces indicated in the engineering
design, alongside the assessment of the precision of the device itself is essential when analyzing an
engineering design plan. The preliminary gathering of data consists mainly of formulating solutions
that could be used, at least in theory, to clamp the fixture according to the engineering design. The
preliminary data has a role in establishing the present level of development in the designing process.
The second stage is titled Technical and economical feasibility assessment. Finding the
theoretical solution in designing the device. This stage involves technical and economy-related aspects
of the engineering design meaning that the device will be able to meet both technical (especially in
terms of precision) and economy demands.
The third stage consists in Drafting the optimum scheme for orientation and positioning. The
design of the props. The main aspect of this stage is the selection of the optimum scheme of position
and orientation, one of several such schemes which are all technically possible. After choosing from
these available schemes the design of the props is next in order to proceed further.
The fourth stage, titled Drafting the optimum scheme for clamping. The design of the clamping
elements and mechanisms and the completion of the design of the centering-clamping mechanisms.
The best clamping scheme is chosen, keeping with the general principles of the 12E methodology, out
of several possible solutions. Keeping with the natural sequencing of designing, clamping or centering-
clamping elements and mechanisms are designed in order to put into practice the chosen scheme.
In the fifth stage, Drafting the action schemes and designing the composing elements
establishes the way in which the clamping mechanisms will be put into action to increase the clamping
forces and their course.
The sixth step is titled Designing the adjacent elements and mechanisms of the device and this
stage describes the design of elements and mechanisms such as supplementary props, elements and
mechanisms for guiding the position of the cutting tools and adjusting their control.
The seventh stage is entitled Drafting the assembly drawing of the device. To achieve this, it is
necessary to refer to the previous stages dealing with the orientation-position elements, with the
clamping or centering-clamping mechanisms, as well as with the other elements which are part of the
structure of the device.
The eighth stage is the stage of Assessing the resistance and the rigidity of the device.
Calculations are made to check those components that are subject to more strain. At this stage the final
measurements and the final forms of the guiding components of the device are known as well as all the
stresses and strains it is subject to.
The ninth stage is dedicated to The technical and economy-related feasibility of the designed
device. At this stage, the technical and economy-related effects of the device are analyzed. This refers,
mainly, to its precision which is compared with the precision required in the manufacturing (control
and assembly) stage. The economy-related analysis refers to whether it is economically advantageous
to use it on a large scale.
In the tenth stage, Drawing the guidelines, specific graphic guidelines are drawn (off-gauged)
which are part of the devices structure. These guidelines are drawn from the overview drawing or the
subassembly drawings.


The eleventh stage is called Drafting the use and safety instructions. In the case of simple
devices these instructions can be included in the assembly drawing. However, in the case of complex
devices, which are delivered to outside buyers, these kinds of instructions can be drawn up.
The final stage is titled Finalizing the project of the manufacturing process of the device. The
assembly drawing is completed as well as the drawing of the guidelines. Final checks are made to
ensure that the up-to-date standards are respected and all the technical documentation is photocopied.
In the case of conceptualizing and designing devices from rated, standardized elements a few
details must be taken into account. In theory, all 12 steps are followed with the additional information
that for steps 3, 4 and 5 choosing the optimum position and orientation, clamping and operating
elements, is made exclusively from the information on rated elements provided by the various
manufacturing companies.
In general, following the 12E methodology is simpler; the decision-making process does not
vary so much as in the conceptualizing and designing of technological devices. The phases and
activities connected with the generating of solutions for position-orientation, clamping and operating
elements are implemented much quicker because there is only choosing involved.
The structure of the engineering design plan is very important because this enables some steps
to be implemented quicker. For instance, if the engineering design contains the optimum orientation-
position scheme, then, the 3
rd
step which is usually very comprehensive, becomes very easy to
implement.
III. EXAMPLES OF THE USE OF THE E-LEARNING TOOL FOR
CONCEPTUALIZING AND DESIGNING DEVICES MADE OUT OF
RATED ELEMENTS
An E-learning tool has been conceived for conceptualizing and designing of devices made out
of rated elements. This tool is not for use with industrial applications. It would be used for the training
and instruction of the students [1], [11], [12]. The main purpose of the tool, titled E-norm is to
familiarize the students with the types of rated position and orientation elements as well as with
clamping.
Figure 2 shows an engineering design process which refers to the manufacturing through
drilling of a step-up cylindrical workpiece.

Figure 2. The engineering design process of a device

In fig. 3, 4, 5 and fig. 6 there is the possibility of choosing the rated elements that will be part
of the structure of the device [13], [14], [15], [17].



Figure 3. Choosing rated position and orientation elements

Figure 4. Choosing rated position and orientation elements






Figure 5. Choosing rated clamping elements

Figure 6. Choosing rated plates

Figure 7 Shows a device made up of rated components as a solution to clamp the workpiece in
Figure 2.






Figure 7. Fixture solution for the piece presented in the figure 2
IV. CONCLUSIONS
An important problem is that of students manifesting their creative abilities given that they
would have at their disposal only rated and standardized elements. It may be said that such a constraint
limits creativity. We think that using a comprehensive data base that contains a wealth of technical
solutions is a professional challenge for our students which will enable them to test their creativity,
acumen and technical expertise. Creativity and ingenuity manifest themselves and can be quantified
through the number of technical solutions that emerge for a certain engineering design assignment.
Moreover, creativity is present through the number and type of rated elements that are part of the
structure of the devices which have been conceptualized and designed.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by Romanian Ministry of Education and Youth and National
Authority for Scientific Research (CNCSIS), in the framework of PN-II-ID-PCE-2008-2 research
programme (the project Exploratory Research Regarding the Dynamic Behaviour Correction of
Distributed Mass Structures Using Modal Energy Absorbers - CNCSIS 313).
References
[1] Adascaliei A., 2007. Instruire asistata de calculator: didactica informatica, Polirom, Iasi.
[2] Dscartes R., 2003. Discurs asupra metodei de a calauzi bine raiunea si de a cauta adevarul in stiinte. Ed. Mondero,
Bucuresti.
[3] Gherghel N., Seghedin N., 2002. Proiectarea reazemelor dispozitivelor tehnologice. Ed. Tehnopress, Iasi.
[4] Gherghel N., Seghedin N., 2006. Conceptia si proiectarea reazemelor dispozitivelor tehnologice. Ed. Tehnopress,
Iasi.


[5] Matuszewski H., 1986. Handbuch Vorrichtungen. Konstruktion und Einsatz. Braunschweig: Vieweg Verlag.
[6] Seghedin N., 1999. Rules on the fixtures synthesis using the object-oriented programming. Annals of DAAAM for
1999 and Proceeding of 10th International DAAAM Symposium "Intelligent Manufacturing & Automation: Past
Present - Future", Editor: B. Katalinic, ISBN 3-901509-10-0, 21-23rd October, Vienna, Austria.
[7] Seghedin, N., 2002. Analiza si sinteza structurals creativs a mecanismelor de strangere multipla. Ed. Tehnopress,
Iasi.
[8] Seghedin, N., 2007. Combinatorics in Technical Creation. In Annals of DAAAM for 2007 and Proceeding of the
18th International DAAAM Symposium "Intelligent Manufacturing & Automation: Focus on Creativity,
Responsibility and Ethics of Engineers". Editor: B. Katalinic, ISSN 1726-9679, ISBN 3-901509-58-5, 24-27th
October 2007, Zadar, Croatia, Published by DAAAM International, Vienna, pp. 681-682.
[9] Seghedin N., Zlati C. and Zlati N., 2007. Program for Structural Synthesis of the Multiple Fixtures. World
Congress on Engineering 2007. In The 2007 International Conference of Manufacturing Engineering and
Engineering Management, London, U.K., 2-4 July, pp. 1171-1176.
[10] Seghedin N., 2008, Dispozitive, Ed. Pim, Iai.
[11] Seghedin N., 2008. Aplicatii in creatia tehnica. Ed. Performantica, Iasi.
[12] Seghedin N., 2010. Conception Of A Virtual Application For Stimulating Technical Creativity By Use Of The
Heuristic Actions Method, The 6th International Scientific Conference eLSE eLearning and Software for
Education, Bucharest, April 15-16, pp. 411-418.
[13] Seghedin N., Chitariu D., 2010. The Intelligent Conceiving And Design Of The Multiple Fixtures. The 5th
International Symposium on Novelties in Graphics, Ljubljana, Slovenia, 2729 May, pp. 671-677.
[14] DE-STA-CO. Electronic Catalog.
[15] Halder. Norm+Technik. Normalien. Erwin Halder KG.
[16] Handbook of Jig and Fixture Design (W. Boyes ed.). Deaborn, Michigan: SME, 1989.
[17] Norelem. Norelemente OHG
[18] Vorrichtungen. Rationelle Planung und Konstruktion. Dsseldorf: VDI Verlag, 1992.