Tooling System with Visual Identification of Attached Component

• US 20150122520A1
• Filed: 11/07/2013
• Published: 05/07/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 11/07/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apex Brands Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apex Brands Inc.
• Inventors: Rola, Martin Douglas, Hetzel, Adrian Hilary
• Granted Patent: US 9,724,795 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 173/1
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 17/2457 of tools
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/12 using record carriers
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/43125 Speed as function of size of chuck, diameter tool
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/49302 Part, workpiece, code, tool identification
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/49304 Tool identification, code
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/50275 Safety, verify correct code of chosen tool, probe

Abstract

A tooling system that includes a drive unit configured to provide rotational force to a tool member. The tool member is attached at a mount on the drive unit. A camera associated with the drive unit is aligned to capture a target on the tool member. The data is sent to a controller that identifies the tool member based on the target. The controller determines whether the tool member is correct for performing an operation on a work piece. If the tool member is correct, the controller may set one or more operating parameters on the drive unit. If the controller determines that the tool member is not correct, the drive unit is disabled. Further, a signal may be sent to inform an operator of the issue.

Claims

5-1. The tooling system of claim 1, further comprising a cable that extends between the drive unit and the controller to send data regarding the image captured from the camera from the drive unit to the controller.

7. A tooling system for performing an operation on a work piece, the tooling system comprising:

a drive unit;

a tool member removably attached to the drive unit and configured to engage with a work piece;

first and second targets that are visibly positioned on the tool member, the first and second targets being visibly distinct;

a vision system associated with the drive unit and configured to capture an image of each of the first and second targets when the tool member is attached to the drive unit; and

a controller configured to control a first aspect of the drive unit based on the image of the first target captured by the vision system and to control a second aspect of the drive unit based on the image of the second target captured by the vision system.

8. The tooling system of claim 7, wherein the first aspect of the drive unit controls rotation of a mount of the drive unit that attaches to the tool member.

9. The tooling system of claim 7, wherein the second aspect of the drive unit is a rotational speed of a mount of the drive unit that attaches to the tool member.

10. The tooling system of claim 7, wherein the vision system includes a single camera with a viewing zone that extends over a limited section of the tool member, with the drive unit configured to rotate the tool member such that each of the first and second targets move through the viewing zone.

11. The tooling system of claim 7, wherein the first and second targets are positioned at different locations on the tool member that are located different distances from the drive unit, the vision system including separate first and second cameras each with different focal lengths with the first camera including a first focal length to capture the image of the first target and the second camera including a second focal length to capture the image of the second target.

12. The tooling system of claim 7, vision system is incorporated with the drive unit and each are positioned within a common housing of the drive unit.

13. The tooling system of claim 7, further comprising a cable that extends between the drive unit and the controller which is remotely located away from the drive unit.

14. The tooling system of claim 7, further comprising a protective sleeve that extends around at least a portion of the tool member including the first and second targets, the protective sleeve including a window positioned towards the vision system.

15. A method of performing an operation on a work piece, the method comprising:

capturing an image of a target on a socket that is attached to a drive unit;

identifying the socket based on the captured image;

determining one or more operating parameters based on the captured image; and

operating the drive unit with the one or more operating parameters and rotating the socket and performing an operation on the work piece with the socket.

16. The method of claim 15, maintaining the socket in a stationary position while capturing the image of the target on the socket.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising sending data to a controller located remotely from the drive unit with the controller determining the one or more operating parameters.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising determining that light at the socket is inadequate prior to capturing the image of the target and illuminating the target at the time the image of the target is captured.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising determining that the socket is incorrect based on the captured image and preventing operation of the drive unit.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising identifying the socket based on the captured image at a controller that is housed in the drive unit.