Self-contained modular manufacturing tool responsive to locally stored historical data
A system and method for using locally stored historical performance data with a self-contained modular manufacturing device having modular tools and parts configured to collectively accomplish a specific task or function. In an embodiment, the modular device includes an interface configured to communicate with a remote control system capable of control the robotic arm. The modular device also includes one or more other modules that are configured to accomplish a particular task or function. Such modules are sometimes called end-effectors and work in conjunction with each other to accomplish tasks and functions. In a self-contained modular manufacturing device, a processor disposed in the housing may be configured to control the functional tools (e.g., each end-effector) independent of the overall manufacturing control system. Further, historical data may be locally stored and retrieved to tailor the functioning of the modular device.
1. A modular tool, comprising:
an actuator mount configured to removably engage an actuator suited to maneuver a modular tool coupled thereto;
an interface configured to communicate with the actuator;
an end-effector disposed in modular tool and configured to accomplish a manufacturing function, the end-effector further including a memory having historical data about at least one previous function performed by the end-effector; and
a local controller disposed in the modular tool and enabled to control the end-effector in response to the historical data;
wherein:
at least one local controller is further enabled to receive an electronic start signal from a master control system that causes the at least one local controller to initiate the manufacturing function; and
the at least one local controller is further enabled to send an electronic finish signal to the master control system or to at least one other local controller indicating that manufacturing function is accomplished and enabled to send data about the historical data with the electronic finish signal.
2. The modular tool of claim 1 , wherein the historical data corresponds to at least one previously calibrated position of the end-effector with respect to an underlying manufactured item.
3. The modular tool of claim 1 , wherein the historical data corresponds to at least one previously calibrated position of the end-effector with respect to at least one end-effector function position.
4. The modular tool of claim 1 , wherein the historical data corresponds to an accumulated usage of the end-effector in terms of previous functions accomplished.
5. The modular tool of claim 1 , wherein the historical data corresponds to at least one measurement of time needed to accomplish the function during a previous functional use.
6. The modular tool of claim 1 , wherein the actuator is configured to be controlled by a master control system independent of the modular tool such that control of the actuator is configured to pass back and forth between the master control system and the local controller.
7. The modular tool of claim 1 , wherein the local controller is further enabled to manipulate the actuator in response to the historical data.
8. The modular tool of claim 1 , wherein the local controller is further enabled to append the historical data in the memory each time after accomplishing the function.
9. The modular tool of claim 1 , wherein the local controller is further enabled to cull the historical data for duplicate data.
10. A system, comprising:
a plurality of self-contained modular devices, each self-contained modular device including:
an actuator mount configured to removably engage an actuator suited to maneuver any modular tool coupled thereto;
an interface configured to communicate with the actuator;
an end-effector disposed in modular tool and configured to accomplish a manufacturing function, the end-effector further including a memory having historical data about at least one previous function performed by the end-effector; and
a local controller disposed in the modular tool and enabled to control the end-effector in response to the historical data; and
a master control system configured to communicate with each self-contained modular device and further configured to control at least one actuator independent of any local controller;
wherein:
at least one local controller is further enabled to receive an electronic start signal from the master control system that causes the at least one local controller to initiate the manufacturing function; and
the at least one local controller is further enabled to send an electronic finish signal to the master control system or to at least one other local controller indicating that manufacturing function is accomplished and enabled to send data about the historical data with the electronic finish signal.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein each self-contained modular device further comprises a motion actuator assembly configured to maneuver the respective end-effector under control of the respective local controller.
12. The system of claim 10 , wherein each end-effector comprises one from the group comprised of: a drill assembly, a camera assembly, a hole-depth determining assembly, a counter-sink-depth determining assembly, a fastener inserter assembly, a fastener installer assembly, a motion actuator assembly, a rotation motion assembly, an impact actuator assembly, and pivot motion assembly.
13. The system of claim 10 , wherein each local controller comprises an electronic processor configured to execute computer instructions stored in the memory disposed in each respective self-contained modular device.
14. The system of claim 10 , wherein at least one local controller is enabled to communicate with at least one other local controller according to a hierarchy of control protocol with respect to historical data stored in at least one memory in at least one self-contained modular device.
15. The system of claim 10 , wherein at least one of the plurality of self-contained modular devices further comprises a second end-effector configured to accomplish a second manufacturing function under control of the respective local controller such that historical data about the second end-effector is stored in the memory.