FLEXIBLE, SELF CONFORMING, WORKPIECE SUPPORT SYSTEM

摘要

An apparatus is disclosed for a flexible support apparatus (100) using elongated support members (110), to support a face of a workpiece (330). The elongated support members (110) are arranged through at least one plane of perforated material (120), where the elongated support members (110) are raised to the maximum designed position (50), the shafts of the elongated support members are subjected to a resistive force (410), the position of the elongated support members (110) is adjusted by the contacting forces (132) applied by bringing the workpiece (330) and the flexible support assembly (100) together, then applying a locking force (524) to secure the elongated support members (110) where the elongated support members (110) can sustain the loads applied during the operation onto the workpiece (330). Additionally, methods are disclosed which allow the elongated support members (110) to optionally drop upon reaching a designed position.