MANUFACTURING SYSTEM INCLUDING MODULAR ASSEMBLY STATION FOR FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING AND OPTIONAL AUTOMATED COMPONENT PART FEED SYSTEM THEREFOR
First Claim
1. A manufacturing system including an apparatus in which a plurality differently configured workpieces requiring manufacturing operations are processed, the apparatus comprising:
- a work surface configured to receive apparatus components and a plurality of differently configured workpieces, said work surface configured to support the apparatus components and the plurality of differently configured workpiece in geometrically accurate locations;
a tool table adjacent said work surface providing support for tooling and apparatus components required to process various manufacturing operations on the workpieces; and
a first robotic manipulator positioned adjacent to said work surface and said tool table and having a gripping device configured to grip at least one of the apparatus components, said at least one of apparatus components moved by the first robotic manipulator between said tool table and said work surface;
wherein said first robotic manipulator is programmed to selectively acquire tooling from said tool table to perform manufacturing operations on the plurality of differently configured workpieces.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A manufacturing system including an apparatus in which a plurality differently configured workpieces requiring manufacturing operations are processed. The apparatus includes a work surface configured to receive apparatus components and a plurality of differently configured workpieces, a tool table adjacent the work surface providing support for tooling and apparatus components required to process various manufacturing operations on the workpieces, and a robotic manipulator positioned adjacent to the work surface and the tool table and having a gripping device configured to grip at least one of the apparatus components. Also, an automated feed system optionally included in the system for supplying component parts to the manufacturing operation. Also, a method of assembling first and second differently configured workpieces.
44 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A manufacturing system including an apparatus in which a plurality differently configured workpieces requiring manufacturing operations are processed, the apparatus comprising:
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a work surface configured to receive apparatus components and a plurality of differently configured workpieces, said work surface configured to support the apparatus components and the plurality of differently configured workpiece in geometrically accurate locations; a tool table adjacent said work surface providing support for tooling and apparatus components required to process various manufacturing operations on the workpieces; and a first robotic manipulator positioned adjacent to said work surface and said tool table and having a gripping device configured to grip at least one of the apparatus components, said at least one of apparatus components moved by the first robotic manipulator between said tool table and said work surface; wherein said first robotic manipulator is programmed to selectively acquire tooling from said tool table to perform manufacturing operations on the plurality of differently configured workpieces. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of assembling first and second differently configured workpieces, comprising the steps of:
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releasably affixing first assembly apparatus components to a work surface using at least one of a plurality of receptors positioned in a geometrically accurate location; releasably affixing the first workpiece to the work surface using at least one of the plurality of receptors thereby positioning the first workpiece in a geometrically accurate location; supporting assembly apparatus components necessary to assemble the first workpiece relative to the work surface; positioning a robotic manipulator carrying tooling necessary to assemble the first workpiece and the first component part relative to the first workpiece; supporting tooling necessary to assemble the first workpiece against undesired movement relative to the first workpiece with at least one of an assembly apparatus component and the work surface; performing a first assembly operation by operating said tooling and installing the component part to the first workpiece; removing the first workpiece from the work surface; releasably affixing second assembly apparatus components to the work surface using at least one of the plurality of receptors positioned in a geometrically accurate location; releasably affixing the second workpiece to the work surface using at least one of the plurality of receptors thereby positioning the second workpiece in a geometrically accurate location; supporting assembly apparatus components necessary to assemble the first workpiece relative to the work surface; positioning a robotic manipulator carrying tooling necessary to assemble the second workpiece and a component part relative to the second workpiece; supporting tooling necessary to assemble the second workpiece against undesired movement relative to the second workpiece with at least one of an assembly apparatus component and the work surface; performing a second assembly operation by operating said tooling and installing the component part to the second workpiece; and removing the second workpiece from the work surface. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. An automated feed system for supplying component parts to a manufacturing operation, said feed system comprising:
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a hopper for receiving a plurality of differently configured component parts; a conveyor in communication with said hopper and having a proximal end and a distal end with said hopper disposed adjacent said proximal end with said hopper cooperating with said conveyor for moving the component parts from said proximal end toward said distal end; opposing side rails extend between said hopper and said conveyor distal end for guiding the component parts toward said distal end; a robotic manipulator movable along a track for moving the component parts from said distal end and away from said conveyor; and an identifier disposed adjacent said distal end with said identifier in communication with said robotic manipulator, each of the component parts identified by the identifier. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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Specification