Method and apparatus for improved tool set-up and adjustment using thin tactile sensors
AssigneeBreed Technologies, Inc.
InventorRobert B. Goldman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for improved tool set-up and adjustment using thin tactile sensors. A method is provided comprising the steps of affixing a plurality of sensing cells to the tool at spaced locations thereon, electrically connecting the sensing cells to a measuring instrument, establishing a measurement event threshold for each electrically connected sensing cell, detecting occurrences of the measurement events for each electrically connected sensing cell, and, in response to detecting these occurrences, adjusting the tool set-up consistent with the measurement events.
Claims26
A method for adjusting the relationship between two operating parts of a tool to provide for the optimal tool set-up, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) affixing a plurality of sensing cells to confronting portions of the tool at a plurality of spaced locations thereon;
- (b) electrically connecting said sensing cells to a measuring instrument;
- (c) establishing a measurement event threshold for each said electrically connected sensing cell;
- (d) detecting occurrences of said measurement events for each electrically connected sensing cell;
- (e) evaluating said detected occurrences to determine the spacing between the confronting portions of the tool at the plurality of spaced locations;
- and
- (f) in response to said evaluating step, adjusting the spacing between the confronting portions of the tool consistent with said measurement events.
Apparatus for adjusting the relationship between two operating parts of a tool to provide for the optimal tool set-up for a tool having a plurality of spaced apart, relatively flat, opposing regions that contact one another during tool set-up and adjustment, the apparatus comprising:
- a sensing cell positioned within each of said plurality of regions;
- means for electrically connecting said sensing cells to a measuring instrument;
- means for establishing a measurement event threshold for each said electrically connected sensing cell;
- means for detecting occurrences of measurement events for each said electrically connected sensing cell;
- means for evaluating said detected occurrences to determine the spacing between the plurality of spaced apart, relatively flat, opposing regions;
- and
- means for adjusting the spacing between the plurality of spaced apart, relatively flat, opposing regions consistent with said measurement events.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.