APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR KITTING AND AUTOMATION ASSEMBLY

• US 20150160650A1
• Filed: 12/11/2013
• Published: 06/11/2015
• 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.
• Granted Patent: US 9,778,650 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 method for a kitting and automation process, the method comprising the steps of:

scanning a component within a kit tray using an inspection apparatus;

capturing a data set indicative of a characteristic of the component using the inspection apparatus;

comparing the data set with a stored data set having a desired characteristic;

determining that the component is a conforming component if the data set matches the desired characteristic of the stored data set;

picking the conforming component using a part holder, wherein the part holder is adapted to retain the conforming component;

positioning the conforming component at an installation position with respect to a part;

contacting a datum reference of the part with a tool, the tool having a datum finder configured to locate the datum reference at a proper alignment;

generating a signal confirming the tool has made contact with the datum reference at the proper alignment; and

moving the part holder to the part at the installation position, the part holder being in operative communication with the tool to receive the signal, wherein the part holder places the conforming component onto the part at the installation position.

2. The method for the kitting and automation process as defined in claim 1, further including a step of creating an image as the inspection apparatus is capturing the data set of the component.

3. The method for the kitting and automation process as defined in claim 2, further including a step of viewing the image with a display device.

4. The method for the kitting and automation process as defined in claim 1, further including a step of pausing the process when the component does not match the desired characteristics established by the stored data set.

5. The method for the kitting and automation process as defined in claim 1, further including a step of stopping the process when the tool does not make contact with the datum reference.

6. A system for kit inspection, the system comprising:

an inspection apparatus having a tool, the inspection apparatus operatively configured to scan a component, wherein the tool is adapted to capture a data set indicative of a characteristic of the component;

a controller operatively coupled to the inspection apparatus for receiving the data set, the controller having a stored data set specific to the component for establishing a desired characteristic that defines a conforming component; and

a processor in operative communication with the controller, the processor adapted to evaluate the data set with respect to the stored data set, wherein the processor is configured to determine the conforming component.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the inspection apparatus is adapted to scan a component retained within a kit tray.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the kit tray is configured to have an adjustable surface.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein the inspection apparatus is operatively configured to scan the component relative to the adjustable surface of the kit tray.

10. The system according to claim 6, wherein the tool comprises a laser configured to capture a dimensional characteristic of the component.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the laser projects a beam on to the component generating a graphic representation that indicates the dimensional characteristic of the component.

12. The system according to claim 6, wherein the tool further comprises a camera configured to sense a linear displacement of the component.

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

a tool configured to make contact with a datum reference of a 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 tool makes contact with the datum reference;

a part holder in operative communication with the controller, the part holder 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.

14. The pick and place apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a fastening device, the fastening device operatively coupled to the part holder, wherein the fastening device installs the component on to the part.

15. The pick and place apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the fastening device comprises a plurality of spindles, each spindle adapted to independently engage a fastener retained in the component and simultaneously secure the fastener to the part.

16. The pick and place apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the tool comprises a datum finder configured to locate the datum reference to confirm the proper position of the part relative to the component, the datum finder having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion configured to make contact with a first surface of the part, the second portion configured to make contact with a second surface of the part.

17. The pick and place apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the tool includes a sensor to transmit the signal when the tool makes contact with the datum reference.