Method and apparatus for assembling a complex product in a parallel process system
First Claim
1. A method for assembling a complex product in a parallel process system, the steps comprising:
- providing a collection of sub-components and at least one base component to a loading station for assembling said complex product;
automatically transporting said collection of sub-components and said at least one base component to one of at least one similar computerized assembly cells through the use of a transport system;
automatically assembling said collection of sub-components and said base component into said complex product through the use of said at least one computerized assembly cell;
automatically transporting said complex product to a delivery station through the use of said transport system;
automatically transporting said complex product from said at least one assembly cell to one of at least one similar computerized test cells through the use of said transport system; and
automatically testing said complex product in said at least one computerized test cell to ensure for the proper assembly functionality of said complex product.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for assembling a complex product in a parallel process system wherein a collection of components are provided for assembling the complex product. The present invention involves transferring the collection of the components to one of a plurality of similar computerized assembly cells through the use of a transport system. The collection of components is automatically assembled into the complex product through the use of the computerized assembly cells. The complex product is then transferred from one of the assembly cells to a computerized test cell, where the complex product is tested to ensure for the proper dimensioning and functioning of the complex product. The complex product is then transferred from the test cell via the transport system to either a part reject area or conveyor, if the complex product is defective, or to an automatic dunnage load or part return system, if the complex product is not defective.
59 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method for assembling a complex product in a parallel process system, the steps comprising:
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providing a collection of sub-components and at least one base component to a loading station for assembling said complex product; automatically transporting said collection of sub-components and said at least one base component to one of at least one similar computerized assembly cells through the use of a transport system; automatically assembling said collection of sub-components and said base component into said complex product through the use of said at least one computerized assembly cell; automatically transporting said complex product to a delivery station through the use of said transport system; automatically transporting said complex product from said at least one assembly cell to one of at least one similar computerized test cells through the use of said transport system; and automatically testing said complex product in said at least one computerized test cell to ensure for the proper assembly functionality of said complex product. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus for assembling a complex product in a parallel process system comprising:
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a loading station for providing a collection of sub-components and at least one base component required for assembling said complex product; a plurality of computerized assembly cells for automatically assembling said sub-components to said base components to form said complex product; a delivery station for receiving said complex product after said complex product is assembled; a transport system for transporting said sub-components, said at least one base component, and said complex products to and from said loading station, said plurality of assembly cells, and said delivery station; and at least one computerized test cell for automatically testing said complex product to test for the proper assembly functionality of said complex product. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification