Process and device for localized gripping and holding of a thin, flexible panel, in particular having a complex shape

1. A method for localized gripping and holding of a thin, flexible panel having a complex, nondevelopable shape, the method comprising:

placing a first surface of the panel against a three-point support system on a table support without deforming the first surface;

applying a plurality of suction cups which are mobile with respect to the table support onto the first surface in an area of the first surface to be supported;

locking each suction cup in a gripping position with respect to the table support;

measuring the position of each suction cup with respect to the table support;

calculating a real shape of the area of the surface of the panel being held by the suction cups;

unlocking the suction cups in position; and

re-locking each suction cup in the gripping position without causing a local deformation of the first surface of the panel.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising reorienting the suction cups by applying a depressurization between the suction cup and the panel during of the step of unlocking the suction cups.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein unlocking said suction cups comprises releasing support elements between said suction cups and said table support while said suction cups are gripped to the panel.

4. A device for localized gripping and holding of a thin, flexible panel having a complex, nondevelopable shape, comprising:

a turntable support having three positioning stops triangularly arranged thereon;

a plurality of suction cup devices distributed uniformly between the positioning stops, each suction cup device including a suction cup mounted to slide perpendicularly to the turntable support; and

means for applying the suction cup against a surface of the panel;

means for applying a vacuum to the suction cup; and

means for locking the suction cup in position to hold the panel without causing a local deformation of the panel

wherein said means for applying the suction cups comprise a drive-lock mechanism and wherein said means for locking the suction cups include means for locking and releasing support elements of the suction cups in translation and orientation.

5. The device of claim 4 , further comprising a sensor associated with each suction cup device for measuring a location of the suction cup with respect to the turntable support.

6. The device of claim 4 , wherein the means for applying each suction cup includes first releasable means for translational displacement of a sleeve and second releasable means for locking the displacement of the sleeve.

7. The device of claim 6 , further comprising a sliding centering pin in the sleeve connected to the suction cup by a diaphragm.

8. The device of claim 6 , further comprising a ball-and-socket joint interposed between each suction cup and sleeve, whereby each suction cup is reorientable.

9. The device of claim 6 , wherein each suction cup is associated with a contact detector for detecting contact with the panel.