How to increase the stiffness of a simple structure

omarmorocci · May 29, 2017

Hello everybody,

I am currently working on desinging a tool, and I would like to get your advice on how to increase it's stiffness.

CAD render of a sheet-metal bracket: a long horizontal channel with a vertical upright on one end, a bent flange at the other end, and small tabs with holes along the channel.

The tool will be used for correct positioning of a component.
It consists of 2 parts :

3D CAD render of a bent sheet-metal bracket with a flat mounting tab at the top, two small holes, and two long vertical slots in the side flange.

And

3D CAD render of a sheet-metal fixture: a long horizontal base rail with an upright flange at each end, one end with two small holes, and small clamp tabs along the rail.

Nidum · May 29, 2017

Need some more information . What is the component being held and how is the holding tool supported ?

CWatters · May 29, 2017

Way too little information. In which plane does it need to be stiffer? Any limitations on materials? Manufacturing techniques? Cost?

Simple answer might be to make it out of tubes rather than sheet.

omarmorocci · May 29, 2017

Nidum said:

Need some more information . What is the component being held and how is the holding tool supported ?

Part one is connection the main frame via nuts and bolts
Part two has 4 teeth like structures that hangs onto the main frame

CWatters said:

Way too little information. In which plane does it need to be stiffer? Any limitations on materials? Manufacturing techniques? Cost?

Simple answer might be to make it out of tubes rather than sheet.

3D CAD render of a sheet-metal frame with a long base channel, a raised upright flange at one end and a short upright tab at the other, with a black arrow pointing to the lower edge of the base.

The only important direction is the one shown via the arrow.
Material is either sheet metal or aluminium.
no limitation on manufacturing techniques
Cost should be under 50 euros

CWatters · May 29, 2017

I'm afraid I still can't really visualise what's fixed and where the load is in relation to that fixed point.

omarmorocci · May 29, 2017

CWatters said:

I'm afraid I still can't really visualise what's fixed and where the load is in relation to that fixed point.

I will post a complete picture tomorrow to show exactly how everything's connected

omarmorocci · May 30, 2017

CWatters said:

I'm afraid I still can't really visualise what's fixed and where the load is in relation to that fixed point.

This is how the tool is connectec to the rail.
There is no load on it. The only requirement is that it's position along the rail should not exceed +- 5mm

CAD rendering of a tool bracket clamped to a long extruded aluminium rail with multiple hollow channels, viewed from the side at an angle.

Dimensioned side-view technical drawing of an L-shaped bracket with a vertical slotted plate on the left, a horizontal base 660 long, a raised block 150 high on the right, and two small clips on the base; overall height 316.2.

JBA · May 30, 2017

How is the end of the fixture with the tested part vertically supported and what is the weight load on the fixture from the tested part?

If there is any friction force in the direction you indicate then there is no provision in the fixture to prevent the fixture from twisting the vertical attachment arm of the fixture and deflecting the arm in the direction of the load you indicate.

How to increase the stiffness of a simple structure

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