System and method for automation of sensing and machine actuation in a manufacturing environment
US11036201B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 14, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jun 15, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23B2260/128
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automated manufacturing system that includes a self-contained through-skin sensor for determining the location of an underlying aperture in a support structure suited to mount a skin or surface. In an embodiment, the sensor includes a sensor disposed in a housing and configured to determine a location of an aperture disposed in an adjacent surface through electromagnetic, x-ray, ultrasonic or other means. The sensor further includes an alignment assembly having an alignment orifice disposed in the housing and configured to be maneuvered in an x-y plane within the housing. The sensor also includes a vacuum pump system, a local battery and a processor coupled to the sensor and configured to control first and second actuators to maneuver the alignment orifice within the x-y plane to be co-axially located with the aperture in response to the sensor signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.