Tooling system with visual identification of attached component

• US 9,724,795 B2
• Filed: 11/07/2013
• Issued: 08/08/2017
• 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
• Primary Examiner(s): Desai, Hemant M
• Assistant Examiner(s): Imam, Tanzim
• Application Number:
  US14/074,492
• Publication Number:
  US 20150122520A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,370 Days
• Field of Search: 29592
• 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

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

a drive unit comprising a mount and a motor that rotates the mount, the drive unit including different settings to adjust drive parameters of the motor;

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

a target that is visible on the tool member;

a camera incorporated with the drive unit and configured to capture an image of the target when the tool member is attached to the mount; and

a controller that identifies the target based on the image of the target captured by the camera and adjusts one or more of the settings on the drive unit based on the image of the target captured by the camera.

2. The tooling system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to identify the tool member based on the identification of the image of the target captured by the camera.

3. The tooling system of claim 1, wherein the drive unit includes an exterior housing and the motor and the controller are positioned within the exterior housing.

4. The tooling system of claim 3, wherein the camera is positioned within the exterior housing with the exterior housing including an opening for a lens of the camera.

5. The tooling system of claim 3, wherein the camera communicates with the controller through a wireless interface.

6. 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 by the camera from the drive unit to the controller.

7. The tooling system of claim 1, wherein the controller prevents the mount of the drive unit from rotating based on the identification of the image of the target captured by the camera.

8. The tooling system of claim 1, wherein the controller identifies the target based on the image of the target captured by the camera when the tool member is stationary.

9. The tooling system of claim 1, wherein the target is visible on the tool member when the tool member is stationary.

10. The tooling system of claim 1, wherein the target is positioned at an end of the tool member.

11. The tooling system of claim 1, wherein the target is a separate element that is attached to the tool member.

12. The tooling system of claim 1, wherein the drive unit is configured to be stationary prior to the controller identifying the target.

13. The tooling system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to rotate the mount after the image of the target is captured by the camera and the target is identified.