摘要:
A method assembling parts uses a shim for filling a void between interfacing part surfaces. The surface profile of each of the part surfaces is determined and a digital volume is generated that substantially matches the void. A three dimensional digital representation of the shim is generated by mapping the part surface profiles onto the digital volume. The shim is fabricated using the three dimensional representation of the shim.
摘要:
Methods and apparatus for track members having a neutral axis rack are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for supporting a manufacturing tool relative to a workpiece includes a track assembly adapted to be attached to the workpiece and including at least one rail, the rail having a longitudinally-extending neutral axis and a rack extending along a pitch line that at least approximately coincides with the longitudinally-extending neutral axis. In alternate embodiments, the rack includes a plurality of wedge-shaped apertures or a plurality of conically-shaped apertures.
摘要:
Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations using non-contact position sensing are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a track assembly adapted to be attached to a workpiece, a carriage assembly moveably coupled to the track assembly and moveable relative to the workpiece, and a position sensor. The position sensor includes a sensor element adapted to detect at least one edge of an index feature on the workpiece from a distance away from the index feature. In an alternate embodiment, the position sensor may include a sensing circuit that receives an analog signal from the sensing element and provides both analog and digital output signals. In another embodiment, a controller that controls manufacturing operations may be mounted directly on the carriage assembly.
摘要:
A motor assembly including a body that includes a plurality of cylinders and a plurality of air channels and a conical shaped piston slidably coupled within each of said plurality of cylinders. The motor assembly also includes a rotatable timing shaft positioned concentric to and at least partially housed within the body and in flow communication with an air source and the plurality of air channels and a cam plate coupled to the timing shaft and configured to engage the pistons and generate torque.
摘要:
Methods and apparatus for manufacturing operations using opposing-force support systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a track assembly adapted to be attached to a workpiece, and a carriage moveably coupled to the track assembly. The carriage includes a tool support adapted to receive and support a manufacturing tool. An opposing-force support assembly is operatively coupled to the carriage and is adapted to be secured to the workpiece. The opposing-force support assembly at least partially counterbalances a manufacturing force exerted on the workpiece by the manufacturing tool.
摘要:
An automatic position-locking tool carrier apparatus and method include a carriage that rides on a first rail and a second rail translatably connected to the carriage perpendicular to the first rail. Pinion gears that engage with the two rails are attached to the carriage and coupled to position encoders which transmit position signals to a controller. The controller produces control signals to control brake mechanisms coupled to the pinion gears. Translational motion of the carriage and the second rail are limited or prevented when the position of the carriage and the second rail are within predetermined limitations from a predetermined location, fixing the position of an end-effector head attached at one end of the second rail. The carriage and the second rail are propelled by forces external to the system.
摘要:
A computer-based method for defining a surface of a part for placement adjacent a mating surface of a base part is described. The method includes receiving raw data which defines the mating surface of the base part, smoothing the raw data, generating a stable reference frame consisting of at least one of a substantially smooth curve and surface based on the smoothed raw data, calculating a dimensional offset curve or surface using the smoothed raw data and the stable reference frame curve or surface by referencing any peaks in the smoothed raw data within a predefined range of a corresponding point in the stable reference frame curve or surface, smoothing the dimensional offset curve or surface, and outputting the dimensional offset curve or surface for utilization in fabricating the part that is to be adjacent the base part.
摘要:
A computer-based method for defining a surface of a part for placement adjacent a mating surface of a base part is described. The method includes receiving raw data which defines the mating surface of the base part, smoothing the raw data, generating a stable reference frame consisting of at least one of a substantially smooth curve and surface based on the smoothed raw data, calculating a dimensional offset curve or surface using the smoothed raw data and the stable reference frame curve or surface by referencing any peaks in the smoothed raw data within a predefined range of a corresponding point in the stable reference frame curve or surface, smoothing the dimensional offset curve or surface, and outputting the dimensional offset curve or surface for utilization in fabricating the part that is to be adjacent the base part.
摘要:
A rail system for positioning a toolhead above a workpiece uses a rack cut into one edge of the rail and driven by a pinion gear whose shaft is approximately perpendicular to a workpiece to couple the rail to the toolhead. Multiple rollers placed on the toolhead allow contact between the toolhead and the rail to be effectively continuous despite the cutting away of as much as or more than two-thirds of the rail edge to provide rack teeth. Separating thickness axis containment from transverse with a square rail edge and separate thickness axis and transverse rollers allows the toolhead to follow a rail as the rail flexes over a curved surface with minimal position error. Several variations in rail, bearing, and rack implementation can realize comparable results.
摘要:
An interlocking precision flexible rail system for carrying a positionable machine tool employs a first rail element having a first step on a lower surface extending from a first end to a termination at a predetermined length and a second rail element having a mating step on an upper surface extending from a second end to receive the first step. A pair of first clips is removably affixed to a top surface of the first rail element adjacent the first end with a first pin and to the second rail element with a second pin in each clip. A pair of second clips is removably affixed to a bottom surface of the second rail element adjacent the second end with a third pin and to the first rail element with a forth pin in each clip. Alignment holes to receive the pins have tolerances defined in conjunction with the predetermined length of the step, the length of the step allowing a reduced tolerance. The first and second pairs of clips and associated pins laterally secure the rail elements in mated engagement.