Apparatus, system and method for kitting and automation assembly

• US 10,520,926 B2
• Filed: 08/28/2017
• Issued: 12/31/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda Motor Company)
• Inventors: Scelsi, John M., Jones, Brian G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dunn, Darrin D
• Application Number:
  US15/688,469
• Publication Number:
  US 20170357248A1
• Time in Patent Office: 855 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B23P 21/00 Machines for assembling a multiplicity of different parts to compose units, with or without preceding or subsequent working of such parts, e.g. with programme control
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/41805 characterised by assembly
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31027 Computer assisted manual assembly CAA, display operation, tool, result
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/40013 Kitting, place parts from belt into tray, place tray on conveyor belt
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/02 Total factory control, e.g. smart factories, flexible manufacturing systems [FMS] or integrated manufacturing systems [IMS]

Abstract

A method, system and apparatus for a kitting and automation assembly. The system includes an inspection apparatus that captures information of a component. A controller is coupled to the inspection apparatus for receiving and evaluating the information to determine a conforming component. The assembly apparatus includes a datum tool that is operatively configured to contact a datum reference of a part to determine a proper position of the part. The method includes capturing a data set indicative of a characteristic of a component and comparing the data set to a stored data set having a desired characteristic to determine a conforming component. The method also includes picking and positioning the conforming component at an installation position, contacting a datum reference of a part with a datum tool to confirm a proper position, and placing the conforming component on to the part at the proper position.

Claims

1. A pick and place apparatus for securing a component to a part, the apparatus comprising:

a tool including a datum finder, the tool being configured to contact the datum finder with a datum reference of a part to confirm that the component is at an installation position with respect to the part, wherein the datum reference defines a present position of the part;

a controller operatively coupled to the tool, the controller having a stored data set establishing a proper position of the part, wherein the tool transmits a signal when the datum finder of the tool makes contact with the datum reference;

a part holder having at least one spindle configured to engage with a fastener retained on the component, wherein the datum finder is located radially inward with respect to the spindle, wherein the part holder is in operative communication with the controller, and the part holder is adapted to pick and retain the component at an installation position, wherein the part holder places the component on to the part at the installation position upon receiving the signal that the datum finder has made contact with the datum reference of the part, and the part holder is configured to engage the at least one spindle with a fastener retained on the component.

2. The pick and place apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one spindle comprises a plurality of spindles operatively coupled to the part holder, wherein the plurality of spindles are configured to install the component on to the part.

3. The pick and place apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each one of the plurality of spindles is adapted to independently engage a fastener retained in the component and simultaneously secure the fastener to the part when the datum finder has made contact with the datum reference of the part.

4. The pick and place apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the datum finder further comprises first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is configured to make contact with a first surface of the part, the second portion is configured to make contact with a second surface of the part.

5. The pick and place apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tool includes a sensor configured to transmit the signal when the tool makes contact with the datum reference.