Patent ID: 6536100
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: B21J,B23B,B64F,G01D,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for installing fasteners through a workpiece, comprising:a machine movable along the workpiece proximate to a first surface thereof; an end effector mounted on the machine and operable to drill a hole through the workpiece and insert a fastener through said hole, the end effector having an electromagnetic clamping device operable to be disposed adjacent the first surface of the workpiece at a location to be fastened and to generate a magnetic field; a positioning device located proximate the end effector and operable to generate a positioning signal that is detectable proximate a second surface of the workpiece on an opposite side thereof from the first surface; a hand-held tool having a magnetic clamping block adapted to be placed against the second surface of the workpiece and aligned with the electromagnetic clamping device such that, upon generation of the magnetic field by the electromagnetic clamping device, the workpiece is clamped between the magnetic clamping block and the electromagnetic clamping device to enable the end effector to drill a hole through the workpiece and insert a fastener therethrough; and a detector located on the hand-held tool and operable for detecting the positioning signal and for generating guidance information intelligible by a human operator holding the hand-held tool, the guidance information informing the operator where to move the hand-held tool so as to align the magnetic clamping block with the electromagnetic clamping device of the end effector.