Programmable fixture and assembly cell
US5220718A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 9, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jun 22, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53539
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A programmable or flexible fixture for holding a plurality of details comprising an assembly during assembly processes thereon comprising an elongated base supported in a predetermined position, a plurality of positioning units located at spaced locations along the base, each of the positioning units having a clamp adapted to engage the details, the positioning units being located to allow access to the details from two directions of movement of tools of assembly apparatus moving with respect to the workpiece during assembly processes thereon, a robot operatively associated with the positioning units for moving the positioning units relative to the base for accepting the various members of a family of details which all have the same configuration and differ by increments in size and for holding the details together as an assembly and holding the assembly in the proper detail location and assembly position for assembling, and an actuator for moving the clamp into and out of engagement with the details. The fixture is used in an automatic assembly method wherein at least one automatic assembly machine has operational parameters determined by the nature of the details to be assembled,…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.