Multi-function workstation for assembly and repair of printed wiring board assemblies

• US 5,325,582 A
• Filed: 10/19/1992
• Issued: 07/05/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 10/19/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Original Assignee: TRW Inc. (Northrop Grumman Corporation)
• Inventors: Riggs, Jeffrey M., Calkins, Jeffery A., Glaser, Peter S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Arbes, Carl J.
• Application Number:
  US07/963,887
• Time in Patent Office: 624 Days
• Field of Search: 29/840, 29/564.1, 29/564, 209/573, 209/574, 414/736, 364/468
• US Class Current: 29/840
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4183 characterised by data acquisition, e.g. workpiece identification
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/41875 characterised by quality surveillance of production
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31316 Output test result report after testing, inspection
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/32121 Read identification of pallet, conveyor and enter data for manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/32229 Repair fault product by replacing fault parts
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36371 Barcode reader
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 13/0486 Replacement and removal of components
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/02 Total factory control, e.g. smart factories, flexible manufacturing systems [FMS] or integrated manufacturing systems [IMS]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49144 by metal fusion
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/5137 including assembling or disassembling station

Abstract

Apparatus, and a related method for its operation, for integrating selected multiple assembly and repair operations of electronic component packages, such as printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), at a single multi-function workstation. Each PWBA product is uniquely identified by a bar code or similar inscription, and the identification permits product data to be retrieved from a factory or depot database. The retrieved product data controls the various operations to be performed, such as positioning and soldering of surface-mounted components, inspection for defects, desoldering of defective components, and reinstallation of replacement components.

Claims

1. A method of operation of a multi-function workstation for assembling and repairing printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), comprising the steps of:

unambiguously identifying a PWBA from product code markings on the PWBA;

retrieving product data relating to an identified PWBA;

inspecting the PWBA at the workstation, based in part on the retrieved product data, and identifying any defects in the PWBA; and

removing and replacing a defective component in the PWBA with minimal operator intervention;

wherein all of the foregoing steps are performed at a single integrated multi-function workstation and are driven by the retrieved product data.

2. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of removing and replacing a defective component includes:

removing a conformal coating from the PWBA; and

desoldering the defective component.

3. A method as defined in claim 2, wherein the step of removing and replacing a defective component further includes:

positioning a replacement component on the PWBA; and

soldering the replacement component to the PWBA.

4. A multi-function workstation for assembling and repairing printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), comprising:

a single workstation site and a plurality of component means situated about said single workstation site in a manner permitting each of said component means to operate at said single workstation site;

said component means including means for unambiguously identifying a PWBA from product code markings on the PWBA;

said component means also including means for retrieving product data relating to an identified PWBA;

said component means also including means for inspecting the PWBA at the workstation, based in part on the retrieved product data, and identifying any defects in the PWBA; and

said component means also including means for removing and replacing a defective component in the PWBA with minimal operator intervention;

wherein all of the component means are driven by the retrieved product data.

5. A multi-function workstation as defined in claim 4, wherein the means for removing and replacing a defective component is provided with a plurality of sub-systems, including:

sub-system means for removing a conformal coating from the PWBA; and

sub-system means for desoldering the defective component.

6. A multi-function workstation as defined in claim 5, wherein the means for removing and replacing a defective component further includes:

sub-system means for positioning a replacement component on the PWBA; and

sub-system means for soldering the replacement component.

7. An apparatus for assembling and repairing printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), comprising:

a single workstation site and a plurality of processing systems situated about said single workstation site in a manner permitting each one of said plurality of processing systems to operate at said single workstation site;

said plurality of processing systems including a PWBA identification system, a PWBA assembly system, and a PWBA inspection system.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said plurality of processing systems further includes a PWBA reworking system.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 further including an automation control system communicating with said plurality of processing systems;

said automation control system being operable to control, at least in part, various operations of said plurality of processing systems.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said automation control system includes a workcell controller in communication with said workstation;

and wherein said automation control system further includes a factory computing and database system, said factory computing and database system communicating with said workcell controller via a factory communications network;

wherein said factory computing and database system is operable to provide operational instructions to said workcell controller.