Support system for machine

Abstract

The present disclosure is related to a support system for a machine adapted to perform an operation on a component having a tubular portion. The support system includes a tool support adapted to support the tubular portion of the component thereon. The support system includes a mandrel at least partially received in an aperture of the tool support. The mandrel includes a plurality of segments. The system includes a pin movably received through the aperture of the tool support. The support system includes an_actuator coupled with the pin and adapted to selectively move the pin. The pin is adapted to selectively engage with each the segments of the mandrel. The pin is further adapted to displace each of the plurality of segments radially outwards so that the segments engage with an inner surface of the tubular portion and supports the tubular portion during the operation performed by the machine.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A support system for a machine, the machine being adapted to perform an operation on a component having a tubular portion, the support system comprising:
 a tool support disposed in an opening of the machine, the tool support adapted to support the tubular portion of the component thereon, the tool support defining an aperture;   a mandrel at least partially received in the tool support and defining a central axis therethrough, the mandrel comprising a plurality of segments disposed about the central axis, wherein each of the plurality of segments comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the outer surface of each of the plurality of segments is adapted to selectively engage an inner surface of the tubular portion of the component;   a pin movably received through the aperture of the tool support; and   an actuator coupled with the pin and adapted to selectively move the pin relative to the tool support along the central axis;   wherein the pin is adapted to selectively engage with the inner surface of each of the plurality of segments of the mandrel based on a movement of the actuator, wherein the pin is further adapted to displace each of the plurality of segments radially outwards with respect to the central axis so that the outer surface of each of the plurality of segments engages with the inner surface of the tubular portion, and wherein the outer surface of each of the plurality of segments is adapted to support the tubular portion during the operation performed by the machine.