Apparatus and Control for Modular Manufacturing System
First Claim
1. A modular manufacturing system for carrying out a series of operations on a manufacturing unit comprising:
- a frame;
a raised deck connected to said frame, having a plurality of adjustable clamps for detachably anchoring an automated manufacturing unit, a plurality of proximity sensors disposed in a predetermined pattern, and a adjustably-positioned modular service interface providing a plurality of mechanical, electrical, data, and pneumatic connections;
a user interface connected to said frame for providing and enabling control of said manufacturing units by a human operator;
a control panel housing a general purpose programmable controller for regulating and coordinating the overall operation of manufacturing units; and
wherein said general purpose programmable controller has a power input, a plurality of power outputs, a plurality of data inputs, a plurality of data outputs,wherein said general purpose programmable controller is connected to said electrical, data and pneumatic connections on said modular service interface, and adjustably controls the relative position of said modular service interface and said raised deck;
wherein said general purpose programmable controller is further connected to and controls the position said plurality of adjustable clamps on said raised deck, said general purpose programmable controller being in communication with said user interface and said plurality of proximity sensors on said raised deck, and identifying a unique manufacturing unit based on the status of said plurality of proximity sensors.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A modular manufacturing system uses a universal base and power infrastructure to receive a variety of tooling plates. This is accomplished by the creation of a modular service interface for simultaneous connection of electrical and fluid power from the base to the tooling plate. In addition, a sensing system is used to automatically identify the specific tool set, and to distinguish between a single plate tool set and a double plate tool set. Individual tool sets are located with certainty through the use of physical placement guide rollers, stops, and friction fit. A PLC manages the power, tool set identification and user interface.
48 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A modular manufacturing system for carrying out a series of operations on a manufacturing unit comprising:
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a frame; a raised deck connected to said frame, having a plurality of adjustable clamps for detachably anchoring an automated manufacturing unit, a plurality of proximity sensors disposed in a predetermined pattern, and a adjustably-positioned modular service interface providing a plurality of mechanical, electrical, data, and pneumatic connections; a user interface connected to said frame for providing and enabling control of said manufacturing units by a human operator; a control panel housing a general purpose programmable controller for regulating and coordinating the overall operation of manufacturing units; and wherein said general purpose programmable controller has a power input, a plurality of power outputs, a plurality of data inputs, a plurality of data outputs, wherein said general purpose programmable controller is connected to said electrical, data and pneumatic connections on said modular service interface, and adjustably controls the relative position of said modular service interface and said raised deck; wherein said general purpose programmable controller is further connected to and controls the position said plurality of adjustable clamps on said raised deck, said general purpose programmable controller being in communication with said user interface and said plurality of proximity sensors on said raised deck, and identifying a unique manufacturing unit based on the status of said plurality of proximity sensors. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A tooling plate for use in a modular manufacturing system comprising:
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a base plate having an edge area for placing a notch in one of two designated locations, said notch reducing the thickness of said tooling plate; a plurality of proximity flags disposed on said base plate, said plurality of proximity flags; a modular interface fixed to said tooling plate extending towards the lower surface of said tooling plate; and wherein said modular interface provides a plurality of mechanical, electrical, data, and pneumatic connections. - View Dependent Claims (9)
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10. A flag for a proximity switch comprising:
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a. an externally-threaded tube; b. an end face disposed on one end of said externally-threaded tube, closing said end of said tube; c. a concentric shoulder disposed between the ends of said tube, having a larger outside diameter than said externally-threaded tube. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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Specification