System for performing predefined fastener installation procedures

摘要

Complex assembly procedures for joining components with plural fasteners are accomplished using predefined procedures for performing a multi-step assembly of a joint using a dynamically controllable assembly tool, or to inspect an assembled joint. An assembly tool is coupled with an electronically controlled regulator for reducing the tightening rate, or the load increase per impact for an impact or impulse tool, so the tool can be stopped precisely at a specified stopping load or torque. The predefined procedures for performing the desired tightening operation are established in a controller coupled with the electronically controlled regulator, for dynamically controlling the assembly tool. The system can be used to assemble joints involving multiple fasteners and which are subject to elastic interaction between the fasteners, rocking, or joint relaxation, and in assembly or inspection operations in which an operator is to be guided through a particular sequence of instructions.

主权项

1. An apparatus for assembling a joint including plural fasteners comprising:
an assembly tool; an electronically controllable unit coupled with the assembly tool; and an electronic control circuit configured to make ultrasonic load measurements coupled with the assembly tool and the electronically controllable unit; wherein the electronic control circuit and the electronically controllable unit operate to dynamically control operation of the assembly tool, and to precisely stop the assembly tool at a specified stopping load; and wherein the electronic control circuit includes machine implemented and predefined procedures performing a plurality of desired tightening operations on at least one of the fasteners, and wherein each of the desired tightening operations operate in combination with the electronically controllable unit to dynamically control the assembly tool to tighten said one of the fasteners.