Geometrical instruments – Apparel – Laying out
Reexamination Certificate
1998-01-27
2001-01-09
Gutierrez, Diego (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Apparel
Laying out
C033S228000, C033SDIG002, C033S613000, C269S910000, C269S037000, C029S559000, C029S281300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06170163
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to a method of assembling the components of an assembly on a work surface using a laser imaging system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of assembling components of an assembly, such as the components of a truss, in a predetermined location and orientation on a work surface having a plurality of assembly jigs mounted for movement on the work surface, wherein the laser image is used to orient the jigs for assembly of the components on the work surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Laser imaging systems have been used for some years to assemble the components of an assembly, such as the components of a truss or the components of an aircraft assembly. The laser imaging system generally includes a computer or controller, a laser scanner projector and a data set defining the pattern of the components of the assembly in the desired orientation and pattern. The laser scanner includes a laser which is projected on mirrors rotatably mounted in parallel perpendicular relation. The rapidly scanning laser image is a laser spot which moves from location to location with sufficient speed to appear to the assembly person as a continuous line. A plurality of images may be projected essentially simultaneously for assembly of a plurality of components, such as the planks and/or the truss connector plates on a flat work surface or the components of an aircraft on a three-dimensional work surface. Such laser assembly systems are available from Virtek Vision Corp., the assignee of the present invention.
It is also common to assemble components using jigs mounted on a work surface, particularly repeated assembly of components in a predetermined pattern or orientation. In assembly of a truss, for example, it is common to mount jigs on a table which in combination define the location and orientation of the components of a particular truss generally for repeated assembly of a truss design. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, trusses are used for roof and floor supports of domestic and commercial buildings. The truss comprises a plurality of elongated planks generally made of wood, steel or other materials arranged in a triangulated pattern which are interconnected by truss connector plates having transverse sharp tangs which are driven into the adjacent planks at the points of intersection or other connection methods. The planks are pre-cut to a predetermined length and angle, and the planks are arranged on the work surface in a predetermined orientation and triangulated pattern for interconnection by the truss connector plates or other fasteners for each truss design. Set-up jigs have been used for many years to facilitate the assembly of trusses having a common design.
Truss assembly tables having pre-mounted moveable jigs or “pucks” are also commercially available. In such truss assembly tables, the work surface includes a plurality of spaced parallel guides and the jigs are slidably mounted on the guides for parallel movement on the work surface. Truss assembly jig tables are also available wherein the jigs are magnetically held to the work table or wherein the jigs include an elongated slot which receives a fastener on the table, permitting orientation of the jigs on the table. Following orientation of the jigs on the work surface, the jigs are fixed relative to the work surface for assembly of a particular truss design. In one preferred embodiment of a truss assembly table, the work surface includes a plurality of spaced parallel channels and the jigs each include a portion which is received in the channel for parallel movement on the work surface.
The assembly of a truss on a jig set-up table of this type then includes moving a plurality of jigs generally in parallel relation on the guides to a predetermined position on the work surface and fixing the jigs relative to the work surface for assembly of a truss design. In the alternative designs of truss jig assembly tables discussed above, the jigs are moved in any direction to the predetermined location and fixed relative to the table. This method, however, remains a time consuming procedure because the location of each of the jigs must be very accurately measured relative to a reference point or line, such as the end of the work table. Further, it is easy to miscalculate the precise predetermined location of one or more jigs, particularly for a large complex truss. Where the error is not immediately determined, the truss may be improperly assembled even where the error is only a fraction of an inch because the errors may be cumulative. Further, the location and orientation of the components of a large complex truss, for example, may not be apparent from the location of the jigs, requiring skilled labor. Thus, such jig set-up tables are generally only used where a substantial number of trusses of the same design are assembled. It would be desirable, however, to use such jig set-up tables even where a limited number of trusses of the same design are assembled. Further, it would be very desirable to reduce the set-up time and improve the accuracy of a jig assembly table of this type and simplify the assembly. Thus, the primary objects of the present invention are to accomplish these purposes by combining the advantages of a laser layout assembly system and jig assembly table.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The method of assembly of this invention combines the advantages of a laser template assembly system and an adjustable jig set-up table resulting in reduced set-up time and improved accuracy. Further, the method of assembly of this invention may be used by relative unskilled technicians without requiring accurate measurement of the proper location of each of the jigs. All of the jigs are very accurately located by the laser image using the method of assembly of this invention, without measurement. The method of assembly of this invention further reduces the time required for set-up of the jigs and reduces the costs of a truss jig set-up table by eliminating the requirement for scales on the work surface or guides or sight windows on the jigs.
As described, the method of assembling components of an assembly on a work surface of this invention utilizes a laser imaging system and a plurality of jigs which are moveable on the work surface and fixable relative to the work surface to accurately define in combination the relative positions of the assembled components. Although the method of this invention may utilize an assembly jig set-up table of the types described above, the method of this invention is not limited to the design of the set-up table. The jigs preferably each include laser alignment indicia on a top surface spaced above the work surface wherein the indicia is spaced a predetermined distance from a side surface of the jig, which in combination define the relative positions of the components of the assembly as described.
The method of this invention then includes projecting a laser image on the work surface which includes an enlarged outline of at least a portion of the components of the assembly in the desired predetermined location and orientation. The enlarged laser image is spaced laterally from an outline of the components a distance equal to the predetermined distance from the indicia on the top surface of the jigs to the side surface and spaced vertically from the work surface a distance equal to the distance between the work surface and the top surface of the jigs. The method of this invention then includes moving a plurality of jigs on the work surface to align the indicia on the jigs with the laser image enlarged outline and fixing the jigs relative to the work surface, wherein the side surfaces of the jigs in combination define an outline of the components of the assembly in their predetermined locations. Finally, the method of this invention includes placing the components of the assembly on the work surface generally abutting the side surfaces of the jigs and assembling the components of the assembly.
In a preferred method of this invention utilizing a jig s
Bordignon Richard M.
Bordignon Robert A.
Fernandez Maria
Gutierrez Diego
Howard & Howard
Virtek Vision Corporation
LandOfFree
Method of assembling components of an assembly using a laser... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method of assembling components of an assembly using a laser..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method of assembling components of an assembly using a laser... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2516722