Apparatus and method for improving safety and quality of automatic riveting operations
US9021677B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 5, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49776
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automatic riveting apparatus is improved by providing at least one sensor on a pressure foot plate or at an interface between the pressure foot plate and a pressure foot bushing of the apparatus for generating a signal indicative of force transmitted between the pressure foot plate and the pressure foot bushing. For example, the at least one sensor may include a strain gauge or other type of sensor for measuring deflection of the pressure foot plate, or it may include load cell(s) for measuring force at the interface between the pressure foot plate and the pressure foot bushing. A control system of the apparatus may be configured to execute one or more control functions based on a value of the sensor signal or signals. The control functions may adjust machine operation commands or trigger a safety mode based at least in part on the sensor signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.