Systems and methods for verifying a pre-programmed materials processing path

• US 20060254038A1
• Filed: 05/11/2005
• Published: 11/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/11/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Baumann, John A., Slesinski, Raymond J., Burton, Kurt A., Matlack, Mike P.
• Granted Patent: US 7,356,897 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 29/56.500
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/406 characterised by monitoring or safety G05B19/19 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/37129 Mark, engrave workpiece at specific surface point for measurement, calibration
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/37208 Vision, visual inspection of workpiece
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49995 Shaping one-piece blank by removing material
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/5176 including machining means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/309352 Cutter spindle or spindle support

Abstract

Systems and methods for verifying a materials processing path on a work piece are described. In one embodiment, a system for verifying a material process path on a work piece includes a processing unit operable to receive processing instructions to control a motion of a machine tool device relative to a work piece. A tool holder of the machine tool device retains a tool path tracing assembly that applies a mark to a surface of the work piece as the assembly is moved along the material process path.

Claims

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8. An apparatus for tracing a material process path on a work piece, comprising:

a tool holder configured to be received by a tool head of a machine tool, and

a tool path tracing assembly configured to be received by the tool holder that is operable to position a marking stylus against a surface of the work piece to mark the process path as the assembly is moved along the surface of the work piece, the tool path tracing assembly comprising at least one of a felt or fiber-based tip a pressure-fed pen, an ink-jet print heads and a scribing device that is operable to non-removably scribe a mark onto the work piece surface.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the tool holder is further configured to be received in a friction spin welding (FSW) spindle positioned on the tool head.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the tool path tracing assembly further comprises a collet assembly configured to removably retain the stylus.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the tool path tracing assembly further comprises a spring to bias the stylus towards the surface of the work piece.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the material process path further comprises a friction spin welding (FSW) process path.

14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the material process path comprises a material cutting path.

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23. An apparatus for tracing a material process path on a work piece, comprising:

a tool holder configured to be received by a tool head of a machine tool; and

a tool path tracing assembly configured to be received by the tool holder that is operable to position a marking stylus against a surface of the work piece to mark the process path as the assembly is moved along the surface of the work piece, the tool path tracing assembly having a guide shaft that receives a pin, the pin retaining the guide shaft within a desired range of positions on an upper shaft portion of a collet shaft, the collet shaft to receive a component that holds the marking stylus.