Importance

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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. A programmable or flexible assembly cell comprises at least one automatic assembly machine, each machine having operational parameters determined by the nature of the details to be assembled, at least one of the programmable or flexible fixtures for holding a plurality of details comprising an assembly, the fixture being capable of accepting a family of details, which all have the same configuration and differ by increments in size, the fixture having the plurality of movable positioning units at spaced locations along the fixture and each of the positioning units having the clamp adapted to engage the details, at least one robot for adjusting the fixture positioning units and for placing details and assemblies in the fixture and removing details and assemblies from the fixture, and a conveyor for transporting details to the cell and for transporting assemblies from the cell. A cell controller monitors information pertaining to the details and assemblies, monitors operation of the assembly machine and controls operation of the robot.

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First Claim