Method for automatic fastening machines
US6427312B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T408/175
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A control system and method for automatic fastening machines wherein a multi-axes motion controller is utilized in place of the conventional PLC or CNC control to provide for virtually an immediate change in system response when the systems feedback devices indicate the need for variance. The major advantage of the process control approach of the present invention is that all system feedback information is controlled via a single on board processor thus eliminating any communication lag associated with multi controller applications. This also provides for an improvement in fastener installation cycle time. An additional advantage to the approach of the present invention is the elimination of many mechanical hard stops and their respective electrical position switch indicators, which in turn reduces the chance for machine breakdowns resulting in a greater increase in productivity. The new control architecture of the present invention is utilized to control an “anti-wink” automatic slug riveting process which improves fastening accuracy, reliability and cycle time. This technique of fastening provides for virtually no work piece movement during the forming process allowin…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.