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US 2022/0152843 A1Published application
Indexing apparatus and method of indexing
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsJordan S. Erickson, Michael K. Louie
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An indexing apparatus includes a fixture tool, movable relative to an operation cell and an indexing feature, fixed relative to the fixture tool. The indexing apparatus also includes a gripper, configured to engage the indexing feature. The indexing apparatus further includes a controller, in communication with the gripper. The controller is configured to locate the fixture tool relative to the operation cell from a gripper location of the gripper, engaged with the indexing feature.
Claims24
An indexing apparatus, comprising:
- a fixture tool, movable relative to an operation cell;
- an indexing feature, fixed relative to the fixture tool;
- a gripper, configured to engage the indexing feature;
- and
- a controller, in communication with the gripper, wherein the controller is configured to locate the fixture tool relative to the operation cell from a gripper location of the gripper, engaged with the indexing feature.
2 more elements
A manufacturing system, comprising:
- an automated machine, located in an operation cell and configured to perform at least one manufacturing operation;
- a fixture tool, configured to support a workpiece and movable relative to the operation cell;
- an indexing feature, fixed relative to the fixture tool;
- a gripper, configured to engage the indexing feature;
- and
- a controller, in communication with the gripper and the automated machine;
- and
- wherein:
- the controller is configured to locate the fixture tool relative to the operation cell from a gripper location of the gripper, engaged with the indexing feature;
- and
- the controller is further configured to index the automated machine relative to a fixture-tool location of the fixture tool.
8 more elements
A method for manufacturing, the method comprising:
- moving a fixture tool relative to an operation cell;
- engaging an indexing feature, fixed relative to the fixture tool, with a gripper;
- locating the fixture tool relative to the operation cell from a gripper location of the gripper, engaged with the indexing feature;
- and
- indexing an automated machine relative to a fixture-tool location of the fixture tool.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.