US 12,434,337 B1
Automated fastener system and method having automated washer installation, and method of using a conductive washer
Monica J. Brockway, Bothell, WA (US)
Assigned to The Boeing Company, Arlington, VA (US)
Filed by The Boeing Company, Arlington, VA (US)
Filed on May 30, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/679,236.
Int. Cl. B23P 19/08 (2006.01); B23P 19/00 (2006.01); B25J 15/08 (2006.01); B64F 5/10 (2017.01); F16B 43/00 (2006.01)
CPC B23P 19/08 (2013.01) [B23P 19/002 (2013.01); B23P 19/007 (2013.01); B25J 15/08 (2013.01); B64F 5/10 (2017.01); B23P 2700/01 (2013.01); F16B 43/00 (2013.01); F16B 2200/93 (2023.08)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An automated method of performing automated washer installation in an automated fastener system, the automated method comprising:
providing the automated fastener system comprising:
an automated washer feed system holding and dispensing one or more washers, and providing a selected washer for the automated washer installation;
an automated fastener holder assembly holding and dispensing one or more fasteners, and providing a selected fastener for the automated washer installation, wherein with the automated washer installation, the selected fastener is inserted in the selected washer, so that the selected washer is in contact with, and positioned under, a fastener head of the selected fastener, to obtain a fastener and washer assembly;
an automated shuttle assembly having one or more shuttle cups, wherein a selected shuttle cup receives and transports one of, the selected washer from the automated washer feed system, the selected fastener from the automated fastener holder assembly, or the fastener and washer assembly;
an automated inspection system having two or more inspection gripper fingers configured to pick up, to inspect, and to release one of, the selected fastener, or the fastener and washer assembly;
an automated delivery system having a delivery device configured to transport one or more of, the selected fastener, the selected washer, or the fastener and washer assembly;
an automated installation system having an end effector with two or more end effector gripper fingers configured to pick up from the delivery device, one or more of, the selected fastener, the selected washer, or the fastener and washer assembly, and further configured to install the fastener and washer assembly in a structure; and
a control system comprising at least a controller, one or more power supplies, and a computer system, the control system configured to control the automated fastener system and the automated washer installation;
performing the automated washer installation at one or more of, before inspection of the selected fastener by the automated inspection system, after inspection of the selected fastener by the automated inspection system, or after delivery of the selected fastener and the selected washer by the automated delivery system to the automated installation system; and
installing, with the automated installation system, the fastener and washer assembly in the structure.