Patent Publication Number: US-2023135381-A1

Title: Floating system and method for a tool

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/274,261 filed on Nov. 1, 2021, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to floating systems, which may be utilized in connection with tools. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This background description is set forth below for the purpose of providing context only. Therefore, any aspect of this background description, to the extent that it does not otherwise qualify as prior art, is neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the instant disclosure. 
     Some floating systems do not provide sufficient functionality. Some floating systems may be complicated, may be difficult to operate, may be expense, and/or may be difficult to assemble. 
     There is a desire for solutions/options that minimize or eliminate one or more challenges or shortcomings of floating systems. The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate examples of the present field and is not a disavowal of scope. 
     OVERVIEW 
     In some examples, a tool for manufacturing a product may include a column system, a floating system, and/or an electrode system. The floating system may be connected to the column system and/or the floating system may include an energizer. The electrode system may be connected to the floating system. The floating system may be configured to automatically return the electrode system to a home position when an external force moves the electrode system away from the home position. 
     In some implementations, a tool may include a first plate, a second plate, and/or a floating system. The second plate may be spaced apart from the first plate. The floating system may be disposed at least partially between the first plate and the second plate and/or the floating system may include an energizer. The first plate may move relative to the second plate. The floating system may be configured to automatically return the first plate to a home position when an external force moves the first plate away from the home position. Such may occur after a manufacturing step has been performed on a part. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the claims are not limited to a specific illustration, an appreciation of various aspects may be gained through a discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Further, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and embodiments are not restricted to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. Exemplary illustrations are described in detail by referring to the drawings as follows: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a tool that is used to manufacture a part. 
         FIG.  2    is a partial perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a tool. 
         FIG.  3    is a top view generally illustrating an embodiment of a floating system of a tool. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a floating system of a tool. 
         FIG.  5    is a side view generally illustrating an embodiment of a floating system of a tool. 
         FIG.  6    is a partial perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrode system of a tool. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a partial perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a tool in a position. 
         FIG.  7 B  is a partial perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a tool in an additional position. 
         FIG.  8    is a partial perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a floating system of a tool. 
         FIG.  9    is a partial perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a tool. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a lock system of a tool. 
         FIG.  11 A  is a schematic view generally illustrating an embodiment of a tool in a first position. 
         FIG.  11 B  is a schematic view generally illustrating an embodiment of a tool in a second position. 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of another tool. 
         FIG.  13    is an additional perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of another tool. 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of yet another tool. 
         FIG.  15 A  is a perspective generally illustrating an embodiment of yet another tool in a first position. 
         FIG.  15 B  is a perspective generally illustrating an embodiment of yet another tool in a second position. 
         FIG.  16    is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating an embodiment of yet another tool. 
         FIG.  17    is another cross-sectional view generally illustrating an embodiment of yet another tool. 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of an additional tool. 
         FIG.  19    is a top view generally illustrating an embodiment of an additional tool. 
         FIG.  20    is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating an embodiment of an additional tool. 
         FIG.  21    is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating an embodiment of an additional tool. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with embodiments and/or examples, they do not limit the present disclosure to these embodiments and/or examples. On the contrary, the present disclosure covers alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. 
     With reference to  FIG.  1   , a tool  10  is provided. While the tool  10  is generally shown and described herein as being a welding tool (e.g., a resistance welding tool), it will be appreciated that the tool  10 , or parts thereof, may include, or otherwise be utilized in connection with other types of tooling within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In some example configurations, the tool  10  may include a column system  12 , a floating system  14 , an electrode system  16 , a feeder system  18 , and a lock system  20 . The column system  12  may be arranged upon and/or may extend from a base  22  (e.g., in the Z-direction). The floating system  14  may be connected to the column system  12 . The electrode system  16  may be connected to the floating system  14 . The feeder system  18  may be connected to the column system  12 , the floating system  14 , and/or the electrode system  16 . The lock system  20  may be connected to the column system  12  and/or the floating system  14 . 
     In some implementations, the column system  12  may comprise one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or materials. The column system  12  may include a first portion  24 , a second portion  26 , a third portion  28 , a fourth portion  30 , a first rail  32 , and/or a second rail  34 . The first portion  24  may be disposed adjacent to the base  22 . The second portion  26  may be elongated and/or may extend from the first portion  24 . The third portion  28  and/or the fourth portion  30  may be connected to the first portion  24  and/or the second portion  26 . The third portion  28  and/or the fourth portion  30  may have substantially similar shapes. For instance, the third portion  28  and/or the fourth portion  30  may include shapes that are substantially polygonal (e.g., triangular, etc.). The column system  12  may be configured to support the floating system  14 , the electrode system  16 , the feeder system  18 , and/or the lock system  20 . 
     The first rail  32  and/or the second rail  34  may be fixed to the second portion  26  via a plurality of fasteners  36  (e.g., screws, bolts, inserts, among others). The first rail  32  and the second rail  34  may extend in a direction that is orthogonal (e.g., perpendicular) to the second portion  26 . The first rail  32  and the second rail  34  may be disposed parallel to one another. The rails  32 ,  34  may have substantially similar shapes. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  2 - 8   , the floating system  14  may include a plate  40 , a plurality of bearing assemblies  42  such as a first bearing assembly  42 A, a second bearing assembly  42 B, and/or a third bearing assembly  42 C, a first bracket  44 A, a second bracket  44 B, a first energizer  46 A (e.g., a bushing and/or a cushion, among others), a second energizer  46 B, a first bushing  48 A, and/or a second bushing  48 B. The floating system  14  is configured to automatically return the electrode system  16  to a home position (e.g., a welding position) when an external force moves the electrode system away from the home position. 
     A plate  40  may comprise one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or materials. In some example configurations, the plate  40  may include a plurality of through holes (e.g., threaded holes). The plate  40  may include a shape that is substantially T-shaped. The plate  40  may be connected to the first rail  32  via the first bearing assembly  42 A and/or the plate  40  may be connected to the second rail  34  via the second bearing assembly  42 B and/or the third bearing assembly  42 C. 
     In some implementations, the first bearing assembly  42 A, the second bearing assembly  42 B, and/or the third bearing assembly  42 C may disposed between the plate  40  and the rails  32 ,  34 . For instance, the first bearing assembly  42 A may be disposed between the first rail  32  and the plate  40 . The second bearing assembly  42 B and/or the third bearing assembly  42 C may be disposed between the second rail  34  and the plate  40 . The first bearing assembly  42 A, the second bearing assembly  42 B, and/or the third bearing assembly  42 C may be configured to facilitate the plate  40  to move relative to the rails  32 ,  34 . 
     A bearing assembly  42  (e.g., the first bearing assembly  42 A, the second bearing assembly  42 B, and/or the third bearing assembly  42 C) may comprise one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or materials. In some examples, a bearing assembly  42  may include a plurality of flat roller bearings. A bearing assembly  42  may include a shape that is substantially polygonal (e.g., rectangular, square, etc.). 
     A bracket  44  (e.g., the first bracket  44 A and/or the second bracket  44 B) may comprise one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or materials. In some examples, the first bracket  44 A and/or the second bracket  44 B may be fixed to the first rail  32  via fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, inserts, among others). 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  6   , the electrode system  16  is configured to connect (e.g., weld) fasteners (e.g., rivets, screws, nuts, clinch nuts, mechanical clips, and/or other mechanical fasteners), fed via the feeder system  18 , to workpieces (e.g., stampings, brackets, etc.). The electrode system  16  includes a base  50 . The base  50  may comprise one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or materials. The base  50  may be connected to the floating system  14 . For instance, the base  50  may be connected to the plate  40 , the first bracket  44 A, and/or the second bracket  44 B. A portion of the base  50  may be disposed between the first rail  32  and the second rail  34 . 
     The base  50  may include an upper portion  52  having a plurality of holes (e.g., threaded holes). The holes of the upper portion  52  may correspond (e.g., are aligned) to holes of the plate  40 . The base  50  may be fixed to the plate  40  via fasteners. 
     In some example configurations, the base  50  may include a first hole  54 A configured to receive at least a portion of the first energizer  46 A and/or a second hole  54 B configured to receive at least a portion of the second energizer  46 B. The first hole  54 A and/or the second hole  54 B may be disposed within the upper portion  52 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  6 - 8   , an energizer  46  (e.g., the first energizer  46 A and/or the second energizer  46 B) may comprise one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or materials. An energizer  46  may include a substantially cylindrical configuration. An energizer  46  may include a hole  60  that is configured to receive a pin  62 . In some example configurations, a first end of a pin  62  may be disposed within a hole  60  of an energizer  46  and/or a second end of the pin  62  may be disposed within a hole of a bracket  44 . The base  50  of the electrode system  16  may be connected (e.g., at least indirectly) to the first bracket  44 A via the first energizer  46 A and a pin  62  and/or the base  50  may be connected (e.g., at least indirectly) to the second bracket  44 B via the second energizer  46 B and an additional pin  62 . 
     In some implementations, an energizer  46  may comprise a urethane material (e.g., duro-20 urethane). An energizer  46  is configured to dampen the movement of the electrode system  16  and/or the floating system  14  relative to the column system  12 . In some examples, adjusting the durometer of the energizer  46  may impact the damping effects of the energizer  46  on the electrode system  16  and/or the floating system  14 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  2   , the electrode system  16  may include a first electrode  70 , a second electrode  72 , an actuator  74 , one or more sensors  76 , and/or a controller (not depicted). The controller may be configured to control the welding operation. The controller may be electrically connected to the electrodes  70 ,  72 , the actuator  74 , and/or the sensors  76 . In some example configurations, the first electrode  70 , the second electrode  72 , the actuator  74 , and/or the sensors  68  may be supported by and/or connected to the base  50  of electrode system  16 . 
     In some implementations, the first electrode  70  and the second electrode  72  may be configured to move relative to one another (e.g., in the Z-direction). For instance, the first electrode  70  may be moveable and the second electrode  70  may be stationary. The controller may be configured to move the first electrode  70  proximate to the second electrode via the actuator  74  such that the tool  10  may execute a welding operation. 
     The feeder system  18  may be configured to arrange a fastener (e.g., a nut) to be welded (not depicted) onto the second electrode  72 . A machine (e.g., a robot arm) (not depicted) may be configured to move a workpiece (e.g., a stamping, a bracket, among others) in contact with the second electrode  72  and the fastener. The controller may be configured to move the first electrode  70  such that the first electrode  70  engages the workpiece and is aligned with second electrode  72  and the fastener. The controller may be configured to facilitate the execution of a welding operation such that the fastener is welded to the workpiece. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  9  and  10   , the lock system  20  may include a support member  90 , a first actuator  92 A, a second actuator  92 B, a first stepped pin  94 A, and/or a second stepped pin  94 B. The support member  90  may be connected to the column system  12  (e.g., the second portion  26 ). The actuators  92 A,  92 B may be connected to and/or supported by the support member  90 . The actuators  92 A,  92 B may be electrically connected to a controller (not depicted). The controller may be configured to control the actuators  92 ,  92 B. The first actuator  92 A may be configured to move the first stepped pin  94 A and/or the second actuator  92 B may be configured to move the second stepped pin  94 B. The lock system  20  may be configured to restrict and/or prevent movement of the floating system  14  and/or the electrode system  16  relative to the column system  12 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  10   , a stepped pin  94  (e.g., the first stepped pin  94 A and/or the second stepped pin  94 B) may comprise one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or materials. A stepped pin  94  may include a first portion  96  and a second portion  98 . The first portion  96  may include a first diameter D1 and/or the second portion  98  may include a second diameter D2. The first diameter D1 may be larger than the second diameter D2. For example and without limitation, the second diameter D2 may be approximately 2.5 cm smaller than the first diameter D1. The second diameter D2 may be smaller than an inner diameter D3 of a bushing  48  of the plate  40  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  7 A ). 
     With reference to  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B , a stepped pin  94  may be configured to be disposed within a bushing  48  of the plate  40 . In some examples, when a first portion  98  of a stepped pin  94  is disposed within a bushing  48 , the first portion  98  engages the bushing  48  and/or the plate  40  is restricted from moving (see, e.g.,  FIG.  7 B ). For instance, the first diameter D1 of the first portion  96  may be approximately equal to or slightly less than the internal diameter D3 of the bushing  48 . Additionally, when the first portion  98  is disposed within a bushing  48 , the floating system  14  and/or the electrode system  16  may be restricted from moving relative to the column system  12 . 
     In some examples, when the second portion  98  of the stepped pin  94  is disposed within a bushing  48 , a space S is disposed between the second portion  98  and the bushing  48  since the diameter D2 of the second portion  98  is less than the inner diameter D3 of the bushing  48  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  7 A ). Additionally, when the second portion  98  is disposed within the bushing  48  the plate  40  may be configured to move (e.g., linearly) by a distance that is approximately equal to the space S (e.g., approximately 2.5 cm). 
     In some implementations, the lock system  20  may include a first configuration (e.g., a locked state) (see, e.g.,  FIG.  7 B ) and/or a second configuration (e.g., an operational state) (see, e.g.,  FIG.  7 A ). The first configuration may be associated with a shipping and/or a training mode, for example and without limitation, a mode in which it is desirable to restrict the floating system  14  and/or the electrode system  16  from moving. In the first configuration, the floating system  14  may be in a locked state such that the electrode system  16  is restricted from moving relative to the column system  12 . The second configuration may be associated with an operation mode, for example, when the tool  10  is being used to manufacture and/or implement a process to a part. A first portion  96  of a stepped pin  94  may be disposed within a bushing  48  in the first configuration and/or a second portion  98  of a stepped pin  94  may be disposed within and/or may engage a bushing  48  in the second configuration. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  11 A and  11 B , during operation of the tool  10 , an external force (e.g., an operator, a robot arm, among others) may undesirably move (e.g., force, bump, etc.) the electrode system  16  (e.g., electrodes  70 ,  72 ) out of a welding position (see, e.g.,  FIG.  11 B ). For instance, a welding position (e.g., a home position) includes a position such that the electrode system  16  is configured to weld a fastener to a workpiece (see, e.g.,  FIG.  11 A ). In some examples, if the electrode system  16  is moved out of the welding position the tool  10  will not be able to conduct the welding operation. The floating system  14  is configured to automatically return the electrode system  16  back to the welding position if an external force moves the electrode system  16  away from the welding position. 
     In some implementations, the electrode system  16  may be configured to move away from the welding position by a distance approximately equal to the space S between a second portion  98  of a stepped pin  94  and a bushing  48  of the plate  40 . In some examples, the floating system  14  may be configured to move the electrode system  16  away from the welding position to compensate for and/or prevent damage that may be caused due to an undesirable external force contacting a portion of the electrode system  16 . In some example configurations, the first energizer  46 A and/or the second energizer  46 B of the floating system  14  may configured to facilitate the return of the electrode system  16  to the welding position in accordance with the external force moving the electrode system  16  away from the welding position. 
     A method of operating a tool  10  may include providing a tool  10  with a column system  12 , a floating system  14  connected to the column system  12 , and/or an electrode system  16  connected to the floating system  14 , the floating system  14  may include at least one energizer  46  and/or at least one bearing assembly  42 , and/or automatically moving, via the floating system  14 , the electrode system  16  to a home position (e.g.,  FIG.  11 A ) in accordance with an external force moving the electrode system  16  away from the home position (e.g.,  FIG.  11 B ). 
     With reference to  FIGS.  12  and  13   , another tool  100  is shown. The structure and function may be substantially similar to that of the tool  10 , apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the figures. Accordingly, the structure and/or function of similar features will not be described again in detail. 
     In some example configurations, the tool  100  may include a column system  112 , a floating system  114 , an electrode system  116 , a feeder system  118 , and/or a lock system  120 . The floating system  114  may be connected to the column system  112 . The electrode system  116  may be connected to the floating system  114 . The feeder system  118  may be connected to the column system  112 , the floating system  114  and/or the electrode system  116 . The lock system  120  may be connected to the column system  112  and/or the floating system  114 . 
     In some implementations, at least a portion of the floating system  114  and/or at least a portion of the lock system  120  may be disposed below the electrode system  116 . In some example configurations, a substantial portion of the floating system  114  and/or a substantial portion of the lock system  120  may be disposed below the electrode system  116 . The floating system  114  may be configured to return the electrode system  116  to a welding position (e.g., a home position) if an external force moves the electrode system  116  away from the welding position. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  14 - 17   , yet another tool  200  (e.g., a compliance base) is shown. The tool  200  may be used in connection with certain tabletop manufacturing operations. In some implementations, the tool  200  is configured to support one or more workpieces (e.g., stampings, etc.) (not depicted) such that the workpieces may undergo certain processes and/or operations (e.g., manufacturing operations, dimensional verifications, among others). 
     In some examples configurations, the tool  200  may include a first plate  202 , a second plate  204 , and/or a floating system  214 . The floating system  214  may be at least partially disposed between the first plate  202  and the second plate  204 . The first plate  202  may be configured to support and/or engage a workpiece and/or the second plate  204  may be supported by and/or may be connected to a table (not depicted). The first plate  202  may be disposed parallel to and/or adjacent to the second plate  204  such that the first plate  202  is spaced apart from the second plate  204 . The first plate  202  may be configured to move relative to the second plate  204 , for example and without limitation, via the floating system  214 . 
     The plates  202 ,  204  may comprise one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or materials. The plates  202 ,  204  may have configurations that are substantially similar. For instance, the plates  202 ,  204  may have shapes that are substantially polygonal (e.g., rectangular, square, etc.). 
     The structure and function of the floating system  214  may be substantially similar to that of the floating systems  14 ,  114 , apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the figures. Accordingly, the structure and/or function of similar features will not be described again in detail. 
     The floating system  214  may include a plurality of bearing assemblies  242  such as a first bearing assembly  242 A, a second bearing assembly  242 B, and/or a third bearing assembly  242 C, a first energizer  246 A, a second energizer  246 B, a first pin  262 A used in connection with the first energizer  246 A, a second pin  262 B used in connection with the second energizer  246 B, a first bushing  248 A, a second bushing  248 B, a first control pin  250 A used in connection with the first bushing  248 A, and/or a second control pin  250 B used in connection with the second bushing  248 B. The floating system  214  may be configured to automatically return the first plate  202  to a home position (e.g., a first position) (see, e.g.,  FIG.  15 A ) if an external force moves the first plate  202  away from the home position (see. e.g.,  FIG.  15 B ). 
     A bearing assembly  242  (e.g., the first bearing assembly  242 A, the second bearing assembly  242 B, and/or the third bearing assembly  242 C) may be configured in the same or a similar manner as a bearing assembly  42  of the tool  10 . An energizer  246  (e.g., the first energizer  246 A and/or the second energizer  246 B) may be configured in the same or a similar manner as an energizer  46  of the tool  10 . A pin  262  (e.g., the first pin  262 A and/or the second pin  262 B) may be configured in the same or a similar manner as a pin  62  of the tool  10 . A bushing  248  (e.g., the first bushing  248 A and/or the second bushing  248 B) may be configured in the same or a similar manner as a bushing  48  of the tool  10 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  16   , the first bushing  248 A and/or the second bushing  248 B may be at least partially disposed within the second plate  204 . In some example configurations, a control pin  250  (e.g., the first control pin  250 A and/or the second control pin  250 B) may include a first portion  252  and a second portion  254 . The first portion  252  may include a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the second portion  254 . At least a part of the first portion  252  may be disposed within the first plate  202  and/or a least a part of the second portion  254  may be disposed within a hole of the bushing  248 . The hole of bushing  248  may include a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the second portion  254  such that a space S is disposed between the second portion  254  and the bushing  248 . In some instances, the first plate  202  may be configured to move relative to the second plate  204  by a distance that is approximately equal to the space S. 
     With reference to  FIG.  17   , an energizer  246  (e.g., the first energizer  246 A and/or the second energizer  246 B) may be at partially disposed within the second plate  204 . A bearing assembly  242  (e.g., the first bearing assembly  242 A, the second bearing assembly  242 B, and/or the third bearing assembly  242 C) may be disposed between the first plate  202  and the second plate  204 . A portion (e.g., a first end) of a pin  262  (e.g., the first pin  262 A and/or the second pin  262 B) may be disposed within the first plate  202  and/or an additional portion (e.g., a second end) of the pin  262  may be disposed within a hole of the energizer  246 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  15 A and  15 B , during operation of the tool  200 , an external force (e.g., an operator, a robot arm, among others) may undesirably move (e.g., force, bump, etc.) the first plate  202  out of a home position (see, e.g.,  FIG.  15 B ). In some instances, a home position (see, e.g.,  FIG.  15 A ) may include a position in which the first plate  202  is aligned with the second plate  204  and/or a workpiece may be worked upon. The tool  200  may be configured to move away from the home position to avoid damage that may be caused in connection with the external force being applied to the first plate  202 . For example and without limitation, damage that may be caused to a workpiece and/or a robot arm, etc. The floating system  214  is configured to automatically return the first plate  202  back to the home position if an external force moves the first plate  202  away from the home position. 
     A method of operating a tool  200  may include providing a tool  200  with a first plate  202 , a second plate spaced apart from the first plate  202 , and/or a floating system  214  at least partially disposed between the first plate  202  and the second plate  204 , the floating system  214  may include at least one energizer  246  and/or at least one bearing assembly  242 , the first plate  202  may move relative to the second plate  204 , and/or automatically moving, via the floating system  214 , the first plate  202  to a home position (e.g.,  FIG.  15 A ) in accordance with an external force moving the first plate  202  away from a home position (e.g.,  FIG.  15 B ). 
     With reference to  FIGS.  18 - 21   , an additional tool  300  (e.g., a compliance base) is shown. The structure and function may be substantially similar to that of tool  200 , apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the figures. Accordingly, the structure and/or function of similar features will not be described again in detail. 
     The tool  300  is used to impart a process to a part, wherein the tool  300  may include a first plate  302 , a second plate  304 , a cantilever portion  308 , and/or a floating system  314 . In some example configurations, the cantilever portion  308  may be connected to the first plate  302 . The second plate  304  may include a void  310  and/or a portion of the cantilever portion  308  may be disposed within the void  310 . The second plate  304  may be disposed between the first plate  302  and a portion of the cantilever portion  308 . 
     The structure and function of the floating system  314  may be substantially similar to that of the floating systems  14 ,  114 ,  214  apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the figures. Accordingly, the structure and/or function of similar features will not be described again in detail. 
     The floating system  314  may include a plurality of bearing assemblies  342  such as a first bearing assembly  342 A, a second bearing assembly  342 B, and/or a third bearing assembly  342 C, a first energizer  346 A, a second energizer  246 B, a first pin  362 A used in connection with the first energizer  346 A, a second pin  362 B used in connection with the second energizer  346 B, a first bushing  348 A, a second bushing  348 B, a first control pin  350 A used in connection with the first bushing  348 A, and/or a second control pin  350 B used in connection with the second bushing  348 B. The floating system  314  may be configured to automatically return the first plate  302  to a home position (e.g., a first position) if an external force moves the first plate  302  away from the home position. The floating system  314  is configured to have a self-returning aspect or feature. 
     A bearing assembly  342  (e.g., the first bearing assembly  342 A, the second bearing assembly  342 B, and/or the third bearing assembly  342 C) may be configured in the same or a similar manner as a bearing assembly  42  of the tool  10  and/or a bearing assembly  242  of the tool  200 . An energizer  346  (e.g., the first energizer  346 A and/or the second energizer  346 B) may be configured in the same or a similar manner as an energizer  46  of the tool  10  and/or an energizer  246  of the tool  200 . A pin  362  (e.g., the first pin  362 A and/or the second pin  362 B) may be configured in the same or a similar manner as a pin  62  of the tool  10  and/or a pin  262  of the tool  200 . A bushing  348  (e.g., the first bushing  348 A and/or the second bushing  348 B) may be configured in the same or a similar manner as a bushing  48  of the tool  10  and/or a bushing  248  of the tool  200 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  20  and  21   , in some example configurations, a first bearing assembly  342 A may be disposed between the cantilever portion  308  and the second plate  304  and/or the second bearing assembly  342 B and/or the third bearing assembly  342 C may be disposed between the first plate  302  and the second plate  304 . An energizer  346  (e.g., the first energizer  346 A and/or the second energizer  346 B) may be at least partially disposed within the second plate  304 . A portion (e.g., a first end) of a pin  362  (e.g., the first pin  362 A and/or the second pin  362 B) may be disposed within the first plate  302  and/or an additional portion (e.g., a second end) of the pin  362  may be disposed within a hole of the energizer  346 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  21   , the first bushing  348 A and/or the second bushing  348 B may be at least partially disposed within the second plate  304 . In some example configurations, a control pin  350  (e.g., the first control pin  350 A and/or the second control pin  350 B) may include a first portion  352  and a second portion  354 . The first portion  352  may include a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the second portion  354 . At least a part of the first portion  352  may be disposed within the first plate  302  and/or a least a part of the second portion  354  may be disposed within a hole of the bushing  348 . The hole of bushing  348  may include a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the second portion  354  such that a space S is disposed between the second portion  354  and the bushing  248 . In some instances, the first plate  302  may be configured to move relative to the second plate  304  by a distance that is approximately equal to the space S. 
     As another example, a controller may include an electronic controller and/or include an electronic processor, such as a programmable microprocessor and/or microcontroller. In embodiments, a controller may include, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). A controller may include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium), and/or an input/output (I/O) interface. A controller may be configured to perform various functions, including those described in greater detail herein, with appropriate programming instructions and/or code embodied in software, hardware, and/or other medium. In embodiments, a controller may include a plurality of controllers. In embodiments, a controller may be connected to a display, such as a touchscreen display. 
     Various examples/embodiments are described herein for various apparatuses, systems, and/or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples/embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the examples/embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples/embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the examples/embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments. 
     Reference throughout the specification to “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example/embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “in various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples/embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. 
     It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily so limited and may include one or more of such element. Any directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of examples/embodiments. 
     Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements, relative movement between elements, direct connections, indirect connections, fixed connections, movable connections, operative connections, indirect contact, and/or direct contact. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. Connections of electrical components, if any, may include mechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections, and/or wireless connections, among others. The use of “e.g.” in the specification is to be construed broadly and is used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. Uses of “and” and “or” are to be construed broadly (e.g., to be treated as “and/or”). For example, and without limitation, uses of “and” do not necessarily require all elements or features listed, and uses of “or” are inclusive unless such a construction would be illogical. 
     While processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that such methods may be practiced with the steps in a different order, with certain steps performed simultaneously, with additional steps, and/or with certain described steps omitted. 
     All matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the present disclosure. 
     It should be understood that a computer/computing device, a controller, a system, and/or a processor as described herein may include a conventional processing apparatus known in the art, which may be capable of executing preprogrammed instructions stored in an associated memory, all performing in accordance with the functionality described herein. To the extent that the methods described herein are embodied in software, the resulting software can be stored in an associated memory and can also constitute means for performing such methods. Such a system or processor may further be of the type having ROM, RAM, RAM and ROM, and/or a combination of non-volatile and volatile memory so that any software may be stored and yet allow storage and processing of dynamically produced data and/or signals. 
     It should be further understood that an article of manufacture in accordance with this disclosure may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program encoded thereon for implementing logic and other functionality described herein. The computer program may include code to perform one or more of the methods disclosed herein. Such embodiments may be configured to execute via one or more processors, such as multiple processors that are integrated into a single system or are distributed over and connected together through a communications network, and the communications network may be wired and/or wireless. Code for implementing one or more of the features described in connection with one or more embodiments may, when executed by a processor, cause a plurality of transistors to change from a first state to a second state. A specific pattern of change (e.g., which transistors change state and which transistors do not), may be dictated, at least partially, by the logic and/or code.