Micropositioning system

A micropositioning system comprising:

• a radiation source for projecting an image onto a surface of an article, the image being part of a manufacturing template and the image representing a predetermined position on the surface of the article where a manufacturing or inspection operation is to be undertaken;
• a radiation detector for detecting the projected image;
• tool conveyancing means for carrying a tool adapted to perform manufacturing or inspection operations;
• processor means for calculating at least two dimensional co-ordinates of the projected image detected by the radiation detector relative to the tool and
• control means for controlling the tool conveyancing means so as to position the tool in a pre-defined spatial relationship with the projected image in response to a signal from the processor means,
• wherein the tool conveyancing means comprises a tool holding device mounted on a moveable stage, and the moveable stage is mounted on a platform,
• wherein the platform comprises attachment means for allowing the platform to be releasably attached to the surface.

A micropositioning system comprising:

• a radiation source for projecting an image onto a surface of an article, the image being part of a manufacturing template and the image representing a predetermined position on the surface of the article where a manufacturing or inspection operation is to be undertaken;
• a radiation detector for detecting the projected image;
• tool conveyancing means for carrying a tool adapted to perform manufacturing or inspection operations;
• processor means for calculating at least two dimensional co-ordinates of the projected image detected by the radiation detector relative to the tool and control means for controlling the tool conveyancing means so as to position the tool in a pre-defined spatial relationship with the projected image in response to a signal from the processor means,
• wherein the tool conveyancing means comprises a tool holding device mounted on a moveable stage, and the moveable stage is mounted on a platform,
• wherein the platform comprises one or more adjustable feet for adjusting the distance between the surface and the platform.

A micropositioning system comprising:

• a radiation source for projecting an image onto a surface of an article, the image being part of a manufacturing template and the image representing a predetermined position on the surface of the article where a manufacturing or inspection operation is to be undertaken;
• a radiation detector for detecting the projected image;
• tool conveyancing means for carrying a tool adapted to perform manufacturing or inspection operations;
• processor means for calculating at least two dimensional co-ordinates of the projected image detected by the radiation detector relative to the tool and
• control means for controlling the tool conveyancing means so as to position the tool in a pre-defined spatial relationship with the projected image in response to a signal from the processor means,
• wherein the micropositioning system comprises normalisation means for checking that the tool is substantially normal to the surface prior to a manufacturing operation being carried out;
• wherein the normalisation means automatically controls at least one adjustable foot.

A micropositioning system comprising:

• a radiation source for projecting an image onto a surface of an article, the image being part of a manufacturing template and the image representing a predetermined position on the surface of the article where a manufacturing or inspection operation is to be undertaken;
• a radiation detector for detecting the projected image;
• tool conveyancing means for carrying a tool adapted to perform manufacturing or inspection operations;
• processor means for calculating at least two dimensional co-ordinates of the projected image detected by the radiation detector relative to the tool and
• control means for controlling the tool conveyancing means so as to position the tool in a pre-defined spatial relationship with the projected image in response to a signal from the processor means,
• wherein the tool conveyancing means comprises an extendable arm for holding a tool.

A method for accurately positioning tools comprising at least the steps of:

• projecting an image onto a surface of an article, the image being part of a manufacturing template obtained directly from a CAD model of the article and the image representing a predetermined position on the surface of the article where a manufacturing or inspection operation is to be undertaken;
• detecting the projected image
• processing the projected image
• calculating at least two dimensional co-ordinates of the projected image relative to a tool adapted to perform said manufacturing or inspection operation;
• and
• moving the tool so that it is positioned in a pre-defined spatial relationship with respect to the projected image.