US 2004/0117962 A1 · Fastener delivery and installation system

Abstract

A fastener delivery and installation system is provided that comprises an end effector mounted on an automated machine and operable to drill a hole through a workpiece and insert a fastener through the hole, and a fastener feed unit operable with the automated machine to deliver the fasteners through the end effector and into the workpiece. Further, a hand-held tool is operable against a second surface of the workpiece and is aligned with the end effector. Once the hand-held tool is positioned properly, a magnetic field is generated and the workpiece is clamped to enable the end effector to drill a hole through the workpiece and insert a fastener therethrough. Additionally, a detector is located on the hand-held tool for generating guidance information to inform an operator where to move the hand-held tool so as to align the hand-held tool with the end effector.

Claims26

Dependent claims

A method of delivering a fastener to a workpiece, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) disposing an automated machine and a fastener feed unit adjacent a first surface of the workpiece such that an electromagnetic clamping device of the automated machine is against the first surface;
(b) transmitting a signal to a control system of the fastener feed unit, the signal comprising a request for at least one fastener;
(c) positioning an unloading mechanism adjacent a fastener storage device within the fastener feed unit;
(d) removing at least one fastener from the fastener storage device and securing the fastener within the unloading mechanism;
(e) positioning the unloading mechanism adjacent at least one delivery conduit;
and
(f) causing the control system to deliver the fastener through the delivery conduit, through the automated machine, and into the workpiece.

4 more elements

A method for performing a work operation on a work piece, comprising:

(a) positioning a computer controlled machine having at least one tool adjacent a first side of said work piece;
(b) disposing said computer controlled machine for movement along said work piece in a manner that maintains the machine traveling in a plane parallel to said first side of said work piece;
(c) moving said computer controlled machine to a desired location on said work piece where a work operation is to be performed on said work piece;
(d) communicating between said computer controlled machine and an implement supply source, wherein a specific type of implement is requested by said computer controlled machine from said implement supply source, and wherein said implement supply source maintains a reservoir of differing types of implements;
(e) delivering at least one of said specific type of implement from said implement supply source to said tool of said computer controlled machine when requested by said computer controlled machine;
(f) communicating locating signals between said computer controlled machine and an operator manipulated tool positioned on a second side of said work piece;
(g) using said locating signals to align said tool of said computer controlled machine with said operator manipulated tool at said desired location on said work piece;
and
(h) using said tool of said computer controlled machine in concert with said operator manipulated tool to supply said specific type of implement to said work piece at said desired location.

6 more elements

A method for performing a work operation on a work piece, comprising:

(a) positioning a computer controlled machine having at least one tool adjacent a first surface of said work piece;
(b) disposing said computer controlled machine for movement along said first surface of said work piece;
(c) moving said computer controlled machine to a desired location on said work piece where a work operation is to be performed on said work piece;
(d) communicating between said computer controlled machine and an implement supply source, wherein a specific type of implement is requested by said computer controlled machine from said implement supply source, and wherein said implement supply source maintains a reservoir of differing types of implements;
(e) delivering said specific type of implement from said implement supply source to said tool of said computer controlled machine when requested by said computer controlled machine;
(f) communicating locating signals between said computer controlled machine and an operator manipulated tool positioned on a second surface of said work piece;
(g) using said locating signals to facilitate cooperation between said tool of said computer controlled machine and said operator manipulated tool in performing said work operation on said work piece at said desired location on said work piece;
and
(h) using said tool of said computer controlled machine in concert with said operator manipulated tool to supply said specific type of implement to said work piece at said desired location.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fastener delivery and installation system

Life of this patent

Fastener delivery and installation system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26