US 6,553,321 B2 · Intelligent assembly systems and methods

Abstract

An intelligent assembly system for a manufacturing process using one or more sensors that provide information for controlling, monitoring and/or evaluating the process. One or more sensors may be mounted on a module assembly and/or on a powered tool device. The one or more sensors may sense a vibratory signature and/or electrical current during the process and supply information, such as a data signal, to a software program or other processor for processing. For example, using a database of stored data regarding vibratory signatures and/or electrical currents for one or more power tool devices used in the manufacturing process, the information may be compared and analyzed to determine if it is within a specified range. Results of such analysis may be transmitted to an operator and/or graphically displayed. The results and/or display may instruct the operator to continue with the manufacturing process or inspect the process step just completed for possible error.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A method for intelligent assembly, the method comprising the steps of:

inserting a fastener into an assembly;
sensing a signature characteristic of the insertion of the fastener;
evaluating the insertion of the fastener using the sensed signature characteristic;
wherein the evaluating step comprises:
counting a number of a plurality of insertions for at least one of an assembly process step and an entire assembly process;
comparing the counted number of a plurality of insertions with a desired number of plurality of insertions;
and
determining whether the desired number of a plurality of insertions is made.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Intelligent assembly systems and methods

Life of this patent

Intelligent assembly systems and methods

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12