Smart fixture distortion correction system

A method of correcting distortion in a workpiece comprising:

• responsive to the application of a process force to a workpiece held by a fixture, sensing, by a sensor component including a load cell and operatively coupled to the fixture, a first measurement of the workpiece held by the fixture, the first measurement comprising a magnitude of the process force;
• sensing, by the sensor component, a second measurement of the workpiece, the second measurement comprising a magnitude of a distortion of the workpiece induced by the process force;
• determining, by a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, that the second measurement is not within a tolerance level;
• selecting, by the controller, based on the first measurement, a correction tool for bringing the distortion within the distortion tolerance;
• and
• directing, by the controller, the correction tool to apply a first corrective force to the workpiece, wherein the magnitude of the first corrective force is determined based on the first measurement.

A computer-readable storage medium comprising executable instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to effectuate operations comprising:

• receiving, from a sensor component including a load cell and operatively coupled to a fixture, a first measurement of a workpiece held by the fixture, wherein the first measurement comprises a first indication of a volumetric distortion of a first location of the workpiece, and wherein the first measurement is generated responsive to a weld of the workpiece;
• determining that the first measurement is not within a tolerance;
• and
• responsive to determining that the first measurement is not within the tolerance, directing a correction tool in communication with the controller to apply a compressive force to the first location, the magnitude of the force based on the volumetric displacement of the first location.