Manufacturing byproduct collection systems and methods
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorAndrew Lawrence Neale
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A byproduct collection system is configured to collect byproducts of a manufacturing operation on a workpiece. The byproduct collection system includes a collection shroud defining a collection chamber, and a securing mount coupled to the collection shroud. The securing mount is configured to removably secure the byproduct collection system to a surface of the workpiece so that the collection shroud is proximate to a working location of the workpiece during a working operation on the workpiece.
Claims25
A byproduct collection system configured to collect byproducts of a manufacturing operation on a workpiece, the byproduct collection system comprising:
- a collection shroud defining a collection chamber;
- a vacuum generator coupled to the collection shroud, wherein the vacuum generator generates a vacuum force within the collection chamber;
- and
- at least one air passage port formed through the collection shroud, wherein the at least one air passage port is configured to allow air to pass into the collection chamber and reduce vacuum pressure within the collection chamber;
- and
- a cover positioned over the at least one air passage port, wherein the cover is moveable between a closed position in which the at least one air passage port is covered, and an open position in which the at least one air passage port is exposed and open, wherein the cover moving between the closed position and the open position adjusts the vacuum pressure within the collection chamber.
A byproduct collection system configured to collect byproducts of a manufacturing operation on a workpiece, the byproduct collection system comprising:
- a collection shroud defining a collection chamber, wherein the collection shroud comprises:
- a first portion;
- and
- a second portion moveably coupled to the first portion, wherein the first and second portions are configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position;
- and,
- a securing mount coupled to the collection shroud, wherein the securing mount removably secures the byproduct collection system to a first surface of the workpiece so that the collection shroud is proximate to a working location on a second surface of the workpiece that is opposite from the first surface during a working operation on the workpiece, wherein the securing mount removably secures the byproduct collection on the first surface opposite from a tool on the second surface that performs the working operation on the workpiece.
A method comprising:
- securing a collection shroud on a first surface of a workpiece opposite from a tool on a second surface of the workpiece;
- opening a first portion of the collection shroud relative to a second portion of the collection shroud;
- positioning a portion of the tool between the opened first and second portions;
- closing the first and second portions around the portion of the tool;
- and
- securing the first portion to the second portion with a latch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.