Patent ID: 11938616
Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
Field: Handling (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B | IPC B

Claim 14:
15. A method for automated exchange of a lockbolt swage tool on a lockbolt swage end effector as defined in claim 1, the method comprising:
receiving a position signal in a controller for a designated size lockbolt swage tool to be engaged from a tool stand and activating a pneumatic/vacuum valve connected to port with a control signal to translate a locking sleeve to a released position;
positioning the frame carrying the hydraulic operator adjacent the designated size lockbolt swage tool by controlling a robotic manipulator connected to the frame;
extending the robotic manipulator to receive a probe extending from the lockbolt swage tool in a retainer barrel of the connector assembly releasably engaging the hydraulic operator and the lockbolt swage tool;
activating the pneumatic/vacuum valve translating a locking sleeve over the retainer barrel to a locked position constraining a plurality of locking balls in a locking groove in the probe;
rotating a core-bolt receiver extending from the hydraulic operator or a core-bolt shaft extending from the swage tool to engage rotational bosses and rotational pockets between the core-bolt receiver and core-bolt shaft; and
removing the swage tool from the tool stand and positioning the robotic manipulator for engagement of a fastener collar, positioning the collar on a fastener stem and swaging the collar.