Shoe last extension as an origin
A method for locating critical control points on a part or combination of parts during a manufacturing process involves mating, directly or indirectly, a jig extension to the part or parts. A pattern on the jig extension defines an origin point that is used to track the position of the part or parts during manufacturing, such as during location-sensitive operations. The jig extension may be a shoe last extension which connects to a shoe or shoe component via a shoe last.
1. A method for precisely determining the position of variable parts, the method comprising:
providing a jig extension, the jig extension comprising a connection to a part and a pattern defining an origin on the jig extension;
identifying the pattern on the jig extension;
scanning the part to yield scan data for at least a portion of the part;
with the scan data, mapping at least a portion of the part to the origin on the jig extension; and
using the map to perform location-sensitive operations involving at least a portion of the part.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pattern comprises two intersecting lines.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the two lines are orthogonal to one another.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the lines are continuous grooves across at least a portion of a surface of the jig extension.
5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the lines are formed of discrete pattern components.
6. The last extension of claim 5 , wherein the discrete pattern components are arcuate.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the jig extension is reversibly attached to the part.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the jig extension is indirectly attached to the part.