Intelligent machining and manufacturing
AssigneeLaser Measurement International Inc.
InventorTimothy R. Pryor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for “Intelligent” control of production processes such as machining, casting, heat treating and welding are disclosed. The key enabler of such control is electro-optical or other suitable sensors, generally non contact, capable of rapidly and accurately acquiring data from parts and tools used to produce them in a production “in-process” environment. Systems are disclosed to control not only the instant operation, but those processes connected therewith, both upstream and downstream. Data bases are generated and knowledge bases are used. Application of the invention can improve quality and productivity, and allow the production of parts which have unusual or individual material characteristics.
Claims26
A method for optimizing an assembly process, comprising the steps of:
- (a) assembling at least two parts using an existing process in an assembly apparatus to form an assembly;
- (b) measuring at least one parameter of one of the parts using at least one sensor affiliated with the assembly apparatus;
- (c) recording the at least one measured parameter of one of the parts in a database;
- (d) introducing an assembly process change;
- (e) measuring at least one parameter of one or more subsequent parts assembled in the assembly apparatus;
- f)recording the at least one measured parameter of the subsequent part in a database;
- (g) determining from the recorded measured parameters at least one further change to optimize the assembly process;
- and
- (h) making the at least one further change.
A method of optimizing an assembly process by learning properties of parts to be assembled, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a means for recording a data base,
- (b) providing an assembly apparatus equipped with one or more positioning devices and at least one sensor which senses characteristics relating to the assembly of the parts;
- (c) repetitively assembling parts using the assembly apparatus;
- (d) determining with the sensor an assembly characteristic;
- (e) recording the assembly characteristic in the data base;
- and
- (f) using the assembly characteristic to optimize the assembly process.
A method of optimizing an assembly process by learning properties of parts to be assembled, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a device for recording a data base,
- (b) providing an assembly apparatus with at least one sensor for determining assembly characteristics,
- (c) repetitively assembling parts with an assembly tool,
- (d) determining with the sensor characteristics of the assembly with a first set of assembly apparatus parameters, and recording same in the data base,
- (e) changing a parameter of the assembly apparatus, repeating the process until the data base has stored sufficient data for optimizing the assembly process;
- and
- (g) using the data of assembly apparatus parameters to optimize the assembly process.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.