US 11,666,998 B2
Rigid insert shape control in layer jammming systems and methods
HyungMin Chae, Troy, MI (US); Tyson W. Brown, Royal Oak, MI (US); Richard J. Skurkis, Lake Orion, MI (US); Md Ashabul Anam, Sterling Heights, MI (US); and Wonhee M. Kim, Royal Oak, MI (US)
Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Nov. 24, 2020, as Appl. No. 17/103,721.
Prior Publication US 2022/0161378 A1, May 26, 2022
Int. Cl. B23Q 3/08 (2006.01); B23Q 1/38 (2006.01); B25B 5/06 (2006.01); B25B 5/14 (2006.01)
CPC B23Q 3/088 (2013.01) [B23Q 1/38 (2013.01); B25B 5/065 (2013.01); B23Q 2703/04 (2013.01); B25B 5/14 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for holding a workpiece, the system comprising:
a layer jamming structure configurable in an inactivated conformable state, the layer jamming structure including:
a membrane defining an internal cavity; and
a number of overlapping material layers contained in the internal cavity;
a number of rigid structures engaging the layer jamming structure at the membrane; and
a pressure system including a pump coupled with the internal cavity,
wherein the pressure system, with operation of the pump, is configured to change a pressure in the internal cavity to transform, by locking of the overlapping material layers, the layer jamming structure from the inactivated conformable state to an activated rigid state disposed around the workpiece,
wherein the number of rigid structures are configured, to:
assist the layer jamming structure to conform to the workpiece during a transformation to the activated rigid state; and
present datum fixturing surfaces in the activated rigid state for locating, after the transformation, the layer jamming structure and the workpiece in a fixture, to present the datum fixturing surfaces for contact by the fixture to securely hold the workpiece.