System to verify machining setup
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsRohit Arun Bhapkar, Nien Lung Lee, Timothy Arthur Thorson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A setup verification system for a machining process is disclosed. The setup verification system includes a console, a master component, and a modified machining station. The consoled includes a console fixture and a locator affixed to the console fixture. The master component is within the console fixture and in contact with the locator. The master component includes a feature machined into the master component. The modified machining station includes a housing and an instrumented tool coupled to the housing. The instrumented tool includes a tool shaft and a sensor attached to the tool shaft.
Claims20
A setup verification system for a machining process, the setup verification system comprising:
- a console including
- a console fixture, and
- a locator affixed to the console fixture;
- a master component within the console fixture and in contact with the locator, the master component including a feature machined into the master component;
- and
- a modified machining station including
- a housing, and
- an instrumented tool coupled to the housing, the instrumented tool including
- a tool shaft, and
- a sensor attached to the tool shaft.
A method for verifying a setup of a machining system including a console fixture, locators, and a machining station, the method comprising:
- coupling an instrumented tool to the machining station, the instrumented tool including a sensor;
- placing a master component including the console fixture contacting each of the locators, the master component including a body and at least one feature formed into the body;
- measuring the at least one feature of the master component with the instrumented tool;
- determining adjustments for each of the locators based on measurements of the at least one feature;
- and
- adjusting the locators based on the determined adjustments.
A setup verification system for a machining process, the setup verification system comprising:
- a console including
- a console fixture, and
- at least two locators affixed to the console fixture;
- a master component within the console fixture and in contact with the at least two locators, the master component including a body and a feature formed in the body;
- and
- at least two modified machining stations, each of the at least two modified machining stations including
- a housing,
- a spindle coupled to the housing,
- a tool shaft attachable to the spindle, and
- at least two sensors attached to the tool shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.