Magnetic self-aligning manufacturing fixture

Реферат: A magnetic self-aligning manufacturing fixture having magnetic members aiding in the self-alignment of fixture portions is provided along with methods for using the fixture. The magnetic members are secured to different portions of the fixture such that the alignment of the magnetic members by magnetic attraction causes the fixture portions to be placed into a magnetically coupled and aligned arrangement. Therefore, different portions of the fixture may be magnetically coupled and aligned for different manufacturing processes to be performed on an article maintained by the fixture. The article may be maintained in association with a first part of the fixture while different portions of the fixture are substituted depending on the manufacturing process to be performed. In an exemplary aspect, the geometric configuration of the magnetic members further aid in the self-alignment. Further, it is contemplated that the magnetic field configuration of the magnetic members also aid in the self-alignment.