System and method for flexible manufacturing
AssigneeATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
InventorsGlenn OSHEL, John GRAHAM, Gregory J. FARROW, Nhan Huu NGUYEN
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The system includes a cell framework for defining a manufacturing area. The system includes at least one workplace within the manufacturing area. The system includes at least one manufacturing component within the manufacturing area and configured to be movable along three axes in relation to the at least one workplace. The system includes a conveying mechanism configured to move a part into the at least one workplace to be worked on by the at least one manufacturing component.
Claims20
A system for flexible manufacturing comprising:
- a cell framework for defining a manufacturing area;
- at least one workplace within the manufacturing area;
- at least one manufacturing component within the manufacturing area and configured to be movable along multiple axes in relation to the at least one workplace;
- and
- a conveying mechanism configured to move a part into the at least one workplace to be worked on by the at least one manufacturing component.
A system for flexible manufacturing comprising::
- a cell framework defining a manufacturing area for completing an automated operation on at least one part, the cell framework having a base surface;
- at least one workplace within the manufacturing area, wherein the workplace comprises a part fixture for receiving the part;
- at least one machine press;
- a moveable base supporting the machine press on the base surface;
- and
- a positioning mechanism coupled to the moveable base for moving the machine press between:
- an operating position at the at least one workplace for completing the automated operation on the part within the part fixture, and a standby position away from the part fixture.
A tool exchanger for use in a manufacturing component, the tool exchanger comprising:
- a turret rotatably coupled to the manufacturing component, wherein the turret comprises:
- a plurality of tool-mounting structures operatively connected to the turret;
- a plurality of tool-couplings, wherein each of the plurality of tool-couplings is positioned and oriented within a respective tool-mounting structure to align, in sequence, each of the plurality of tool-couplings with an actuation path when the turret is rotated, wherein alignment of one of the plurality of tool-couplings with the actuation path selects that one of the plurality of tool couplings;
- and
- a tool-indexing servo coupled to the manufacturing component to rotate the turret relative to the housing;
- wherein the turret is positioned within the actuation path wherein:
- movement of a mounted tool along the actuation path to a first position couples the mounted tool to the selected tool-coupling and configures the tool-exchanger in an operation mode;
- and
- movement of the mounted tool along the actuation path to a second position decouples the mounted tool from the selected tool coupling and configures the tool-exchanger in an indexing mode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.