Abstract:
A modular manufacturing station is provided. The modular manufacturing station has a plurality of beams forming a skeleton and being capable of extension and retraction. The modular manufacturing station also has at least one utility connection for receiving external utilities. Additionally, the modular manufacturing station has at least one piece of manufacturing equipment. Furthermore, the modular frame has a control system configured to regulate operation of the manufacturing equipment.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]    The present disclosure is directed to a manufacturing system, and more particularly, to a modular manufacturing system having portable capabilities. 
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]    A finished product is typically manufactured in steps, through the use of individual manufacturing stations having machines or system parts that are specifically constructed for a specialized purpose. These individual manufacturing stations are linked together to form a manufacturing chain, through which each product being produced is advanced. Such manufacturing chains are often large structures permanently situated inside a manufacturing facility. 
         [0003]    Because of their large sizes and permanency, conventional manufacturing chains are usually inflexible and are only cost-effective for the production of one type of finished product. If a design or product falls out of favor with the market, the manufacturing chain must be modified to produce a new finished product or design. When this happens, those manufacturing stations originally designed to be permanent fixtures in the manufacturing chain must be modified, removed, or replaced, which can be an expensive and time-consuming process. 
         [0004]    An additional constraint on finished products manufactured inside a permanent manufacturing facility is that the finished product must be shipped to the customer. That is, in order to be utilized by a customer, the finished product must be loaded onto a transportation vehicle such as, for example, a truck, boat or airplane. The finished product must then be unloaded from the transportation vehicle and installed at the location where the finished product will be utilized by the customer. A multitude of costs are associated with the transportation of the finished product such as, for example, fuel costs, labor costs, vehicle maintenance costs, and vehicle purchase costs. Such costs can contribute to the costs of production. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,916,375 issued to Molnar et al. (Molnar) on Jul. 12, 2005, discloses a mobile manufacturing facility capable of being located at a job site requiring a manufactured finished product. The system in the Molnar patent comprises a portable manufacturing facility housed inside a modified truck trailer. Manufacturing stations required to produce the finished product are installed in the truck trailer in a set configuration. In one configuration, the truck trailer contains two coating booths for applying an anti-slip coating material onto metal plates and metal grates. An exhaust scrubber for purging smoke or dust from exhaust created during the application process is located in the front of the trailer. Additionally, a motor generator and an air compressor for powering the coating booths are situated alongside the exhaust scrubber toward the front of the trailer. An application machine is situated inside each coating booth for applying the anti-slip coating to the metal plates and grates. 
         [0006]    Although the manufacturing facility in Molnar is located on a truck trailer and can be moved to multiple jobsites, its portability may be limited by the truck trailer itself. Because the manufacturing facility is permanently situated inside the truck trailer, it can only be utilized at jobsites having an infrastructure capable of accommodating the truck trailer. Also, the jobsite needs to be adjacent to roads accessible by the truck trailer. For example, jobsites located within the interior of a building may be inaccessible to vehicles and cannot accommodate manufacturing facilities located within a truck trailer. 
         [0007]    Additionally, the size and geometry of the manufacturing chain in Molnar is limited by the size and geometry of the truck trailer. The process utilized to produce finished products may require manufacturing chains having a shape and/or size that cannot be accommodated by a truck trailer. For example, a finished product may require multiple manufacturing stations such as infrared ovens, inspection stations, and wash stations situated in a formation that may be incompatible with the size and geometry of a truck trailer. 
         [0008]    Furthermore, installing a manufacturing chain inside a truck trailer may limit the flexibility of the manufacturing system. In particular, because the truck trailer has a finite amount of space, the types of manufacturing stations that can be utilized may be limited. Certain finished products may require manufacturing stations that are too large to be installed in a truck trailer and therefore cannot be produced in a truck trailer manufacturing system. Moreover, the finished product may require a greater number of manufacturing stations than can be accommodated by a truck trailer. Additionally, because of the constricted confines of the truck trailer, it may be difficult to remove and/or add manufacturing stations to produce a new product or design, as required to meet demands of the market. 
         [0009]    The disclosed manufacturing system is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]    In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed toward a modular manufacturing station. The modular manufacturing station includes a plurality of beams forming a skeleton and being capable of extension and retraction. The modular manufacturing station also includes at least one utility connection for receiving external utilities. Additionally, the modular manufacturing station includes at least one piece of manufacturing equipment. Furthermore, the modular frame includes a control system configured to regulate operation of the manufacturing equipment. 
         [0011]    Consistent with a further aspect of the disclosure, a method is provided for deploying a manufacturing station. The method includes connecting the manufacturing station to a utilities source. Additionally, the method includes expanding the manufacturing station to a desired dimension. Furthermore, the method includes setting the manufacturing station to an operational state in which the manufacturing station performs a manufacturing task. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic illustration of a manufacturing chain according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic representation of a modular frame utilized by the modules of the manufacturing chain according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a schematic representation of a hydraulic control system of the frame according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a schematic representation of an electric motor control system of the frame according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a schematic representation of a module connecting device located on the frame according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a pictorial illustration of a an electric infrared heater module in a contracted state according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a flow diagram depicting an exemplary disclosed method of expanding and utilizing the frame. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0019]      FIG. 1  provides a diagrammatic perspective of a manufacturing chain  10  according to an exemplary embodiment. Manufacturing chain  10  may be used to perform a manufacturing process such as, for example, powder coating an article. Manufacturing chain  10  may include several modular manufacturing units for performing the manufacturing task. Such modular manufacturing units may include, for example, a washer module  12 , a blow off module  14 , an inspection module  16 , a powder coat module  18 , an oven module  20 , and an unload module  22 . A conveyor track  24  may be utilized to convey the article through manufacturing chain  10 . It should be understood that while manufacturing chain  10  is illustrated as a powder coating system, manufacturing chain  10  may be any type of manufacturing system requiring one or more modular manufacturing units. For example, manufacturing chain  10  may embody an engine block assembly line, a brake assembly line, or any other manufacturing system known in the art. Furthermore, it is contemplated that although  FIG. 1  discloses utilizing six modules, a fewer or greater number of modules may alternatively be used. Also, more than one module of a particular type may be employed within the same chain, if desired. 
         [0020]    Modular manufacturing units may be specialized manufacturing stations containing all equipment necessary to accomplish a particular manufacturing task within a self-contained vessel. Modular manufacturing units may combine with other modular manufacturing units to perform more complicated manufacturing tasks. In addition, the self-contained characteristic of modular manufacturing units may allow them to be readily moved wherever they are needed. Furthermore, modular manufacturing units may be interchanged with other modular manufacturing units of a manufacturing chain. 
         [0021]    Washer module  12  may remove foreign substances from the article before powdered paint is applied. Such foreign substances may include, for example, grease, dirt, dust, oils, or any other substance that may interfere with the paint application process. Washer module  12  may include a water tank  26  for supplying water or a solvent mixture to the module, a water pump  28  for circulating water or the solvent mixture through the module, a plurality of water nozzles  30  for spraying the article with water or the solvent mixture, a plurality of water barrier panels  32  for preventing the water or the solvent mixture from escaping the module, and a drain system (not shown) for returning the used water or the solvent mixture to water tank  26 . It should be understood that washer module  12  may be connected to a utility infrastructure of a facility and receive water from that connection. In such a configuration, water tank  26  and water pump  28  may be unnecessary. 
         [0022]    Blow off module  14  may remove any water or solvent mixture remaining on the article after the article passes through washer module  12 . Blow off module  14  may include a fan  34  for pressurizing air, a plurality of air nozzles  36  for blowing air at the article, and a plurality of air barrier panels  38  to prevent the air blown from nozzles  36  from interfering with activities or equipment outside of blow off module  14 . 
         [0023]    Inspection module  16  may provide a location for an operator  40  to inspect the article. The inspection may involve visual, physical, or chemical analyses to determine the presence of any remaining impurities on the surface of the article. 
         [0024]    Powder coat module  18  may apply a paint in powdered form to the article. Powder coat module  18  may include a paint applicator  42  for coating the article with the paint, and a plurality of paint barrier panels  44  for containing the paint within the confines of powder coat module  18 . 
         [0025]    Oven module  20  may heat the coating of freshly applied paint. By applying heat, the coat of paint may cure and set on the article making the application permanent. Oven module  20  may include one or more infrared heater  46 , which may contain a plurality of infrared heater lamps  48  for generating the heat necessary for the coating of paint to cure on the article. 
         [0026]    Unload module  22  may provide a location for an operator  50  to remove the article from manufacturing chain  10 . After passing through manufacturing chain  10 , it is contemplated that the article may be transported to another manufacturing chain (not shown) for further processing, if desired. Alternatively, the article may taken to a storage location (not shown) for storage until the article is needed, or to a transportation vehicle for delivery to a customer. 
         [0027]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , conveyor track  24  may move an article from module to module during the manufacturing process. For example, conveyor track  24  may be an air balancer, a series of hoists, an electrified monorail, or any device capable of moving an article from module to module. In exemplary embodiment, conveyor track  24  may be a hollow, tubular beam running along a top center portion of manufacturing chain  10 , with an opening  52  running along the length of a bottom side. A plurality of gripping devices  54  may extend through opening  52  and attach to a cable  56  running within the interior of conveyor track  24 . Gripping devices  54  may grip the article to be conveyed through the manufacturing chain and may include, for example, a hook, a clamp, a latch or any other device capable of temporarily grasping the article. In addition, cable  56  may be associated with a drive system (not shown), which may move the gripping devices and associated articles through manufacturing chain  10 . It is contemplated that cable  56  may be substituted with a chain, belt, or any other device that may convey gripping devices  54  through manufacturing chain  10 . In an alternate embodiment, conveyor track  24  may be mounted on the floor and/or contain a transport device such as, for example, a conveyor belt to convey the article from module to module. In yet another embodiment, conveyor track  24  may be omitted, and the article may be transported between modules manually. 
         [0028]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , each module of manufacturing chain  10  may include a frame  58 . Frame  58  may provide structural support for each module and have universal features that can be utilized by all types of modules, as needed. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  provides a diagrammatic perspective of frame  58  according to an exemplary embodiment. Frame  58  may include a plurality of support beams  60  for supporting manufacturing equipment such as, for example, a washer or a paint applicator, a utility source  62  for providing utilities to the module, an expansion/contraction system  64  for expanding and contracting frame  58 , a plurality of module connectors  66  for connecting frame  58  to the frames of other modules, and a control system  68  for operating frame  58  and the manufacturing equipment associated with the module. 
         [0030]    Support beams  60  may form an exterior skeleton to which all other elements of the manufacturing module may be attached, and may be fabricated from steel, carbon composites, or any other material known in the art suitable for supporting the manufacturing module. Support beams  60  may include mounting devices  70  and utilities connections  72 . Mounting devices  70  may be, for example, hooks, latches, sockets, or any other device capable of supporting manufacturing equipment to be mounted on support beams  60 . Mounting devices  70  may interact with corresponding hooks, latches, and sockets located on the manufacturing equipment to support the equipment. In addition, utilities connections  72  may provide such utilities as, for example, electrical power, water, compressed air, gas, or any other utility needed for the operation of the manufacturing equipment. Utility connections  72  may embody electrical outlets, quick connect interfaces, or any other utility interface capable of engaging the manufacturing equipment. 
         [0031]    Utility source  62  may supply the utilities to connections  72  via wires and/or tubes (not shown) running along an interior of support beams  60  and an exterior of frame  58 . Utility source  62  may be disposed at any location convenient for receiving utilities from an outside source. Such outside sources may include, for example, a facility electrical power grid (not shown), a battery (not shown), a compressed air tank, and/or a water supply. It is contemplated that electrical power, compressed air, and/or water may be supplied to an initial module in a manufacturing chain, with the other modules receiving the utilities from the initial module, if desired. 
         [0032]    Expansion/contraction system  64  may facilitate the expansion and contraction of frame  58  to accommodate the transportation and deployment of the manufacturing module. That is, expansion/contraction system  64  may adjust the size and shape of frame  58  in a vertical and/or horizontal direction. Expansion/contraction system  64  may include expansion/contraction beams  74 , an expansion/contraction platform  76 , holes  78 , and fastening devices  80 . Each expansion/contraction beam  74  and expansion/contraction platform  76  may be formed from steel, carbon composites, or any other material known in the art suitable for supporting the manufacturing module and may include a hollow tubular portion  82  and a piston portion  84 . Piston portion  84  may be slidably received within tubular portion  82 . Piston portion  84  may be manually moved and locked into place in relation to tubular portion  82  at specified lengths. Locking may be accomplished by locating holes  78  at specified locations along the exterior of tubular portion  82  and at an end of piston portion  84 . That is, fastening devices  80  may be inserted into holes  78  when holes  78  on tubular portion  82  and piston portion  84  are aligned. Such fastening devices  80  may include bolts, screws, pins, spring actuated bearings located on piston portion  84 , or any other device capable of locking piston portion  84  in place. 
         [0033]    It is contemplated that in an alternate embodiment, tubular portions  82  and piston portions  84  of expansion/contraction beams  74  and expansion/contraction platform  76  may be physically separated in a stored/contracted configuration, if desired. Upon deployment/expansion of frame  58 , tubular portions  82  and piston portions  84  may be secured together by clamps, bolts, pins, screws, spring actuated bearings, or any other device capable of securing tubular portion  82  and piston portion  84  together. 
         [0034]    Expansion/contraction platform  76  may include engagement holes  86  for interaction with transportation vehicles such as forklifts. Engagement holes  86  may facilitate the relocation of the module to any location desired. In an alternate embodiment, expansion/contraction platform  76  may include castors, a sled, or any other device that may facilitate the relocation of frame  58  and the associated module. 
         [0035]    Although support and expansion/contraction beams  60 ,  74  are illustrated as forming a cubic shape, support and expansion/contraction beams  60 ,  74  may be positioned to form any shape conducive to the production of a finished article. Additionally, the number of support and expansion/contraction beams  60 ,  74  utilized to form the exterior skeleton may vary depending upon the shape of the frame. Support and expansion/contraction beams  60 ,  74  may be secured together by mechanical fasteners, welds, or any other devices known in the art that are used to secure components. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  illustrates an additional embodiment of expansion/contraction system  64  where holes  78  and fastening devices  80  are replaced with a hydraulic system  88 . When hydraulic system  88  is used to actuate the expansion and contraction of frame  58 , piston portion  84  may be arranged within tubular portion  82  to form two separate hydraulic chambers (not shown). It is contemplated that piston portion  84  and tubular portion  82  of expansion/contraction beams  74  having a vertical orientation with respect to the ground may form only one hydraulic chamber, if desired. The pressure chambers may be selectively supplied with and drained of a pressurized fluid from hydraulic system  88  to cause piston portion  84  to displace within tubular portion  82 , thereby changing the effective length of expansion/contraction beams  74 . 
         [0037]    Hydraulic system  88  may include a plurality of fluid components that cooperate together to manipulate expansion/contraction beams  74 . Specifically, hydraulic system  88  may include a tank  90  holding a supply of fluid and a source  92  configured to pressurize the fluid and to direct the pressurized fluid to one or more expansion/contraction beams  74 . It is contemplated that hydraulic system  88  may include additional and/or different components such as, for example, accumulators, restrictive orifices, check valves, pressure relief valves, makeup valves, pressure-balancing passageways, and other components known in the art. 
         [0038]    Tank  90  may constitute a reservoir configured to hold a supply of fluid. The fluid may include, for example, a dedicated hydraulic oil, or any other fluid known in the art. It is contemplated that hydraulic system  88  may be connected to multiple separate fluid tanks, if desired. 
         [0039]    Source  92  may produce a flow of pressurized fluid and include a pump such as, for example, a variable displacement pump, a fixed displacement pump, a variable delivery pump, or any other source of pressurized fluid known in the art. Source  92  may be operationally connected to a power source (not shown) of the manufacturing module by, for example, an electrical circuit (not shown), or in any other suitable manner. It is contemplated that multiple sources of pressurized fluid may be interconnected to supply pressurized fluid to hydraulic system  88 . 
         [0040]    Each expansion/contraction beam  74  may include at least one control valve  94  that functions to meter pressurized fluid from source  92  to one of the first and second hydraulic chambers and to allow fluid from the other of the first and second chambers to drain to tank  90 . Specifically, control valve  94  may include a spring biased valve mechanism that is solenoid actuated and configured to move between a first position at which fluid is allowed to flow into one of the first and second chambers and a second position at which fluid flow is drained from the other of the first and second chambers. The location of the valve mechanism between the first and second positions may determine a flow rate of the pressurized fluid directed into and out of the associated first and second chambers. The valve mechanism may be movable between the first and second positions in response to a demanded flow rate that produces a desired movement of frame  58 . It is contemplated that control valve  96  may alternately be hydraulically actuated, mechanically actuated, pneumatically actuated, or actuated in any other suitable manner. 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  illustrates yet another embodiment of expansion/contraction system  64 , where holes  78  and fastening devices  80  are combined with an electric motor system  96 . Electric motor system may include a plurality of electric motors  94  operationally connected to each expansion/contraction beam  74 , with each motor  94  being configured to linearly expand and contract beams  74 . Electric motors  98  may be AC induction motors, brushless DC motors, linear motors, or any other type of motor capable of linearly moving piston portion  84  in and out of tubular portion  82 . Additionally, electric motors  98  may be directly powered by utility source  62  via electrical wires running along the interior of support beams  60  and along the exterior of expansion/contraction beams  74 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 5  illustrates module connecting system  66 , which may be located at each end of expansion/contraction beams  74  having a vertical orientation in relation to the ground. Module connecting system  66  may be used to secure frame  58  of one module to frames  58  of other manufacturing modules. Module connecting system  66  may include a rotatable engaging element  100  located at a top end of expansion/contraction beams  74 . Rotatable engaging element  100  may have a vertical orientation in relation to the ground. Module connecting system  66  may also include a receiving element  102  located at a bottom end of expansion/contraction beams  74  having a vertical orientation in relation to the ground. Engaging element  100  may have a horizontal portion  104 , which may extend horizontally through piston portion  84  of expansion/contraction beam  74  and terminate at a handle portion  106 , and a locking portion  108 . Receiving element  102  may be an opening located in tubular portion  82  of expansion/contraction beam  74 . Receiving element  102  may be sized so that a vertical dimension D is slightly larger than a length L of locking portion  108 , and a horizontal dimension d is smaller than the length L. For embodiments utilizing hydraulic system  88 , receiving element  102  may be located so as to avoid the hydraulic chamber created inside tubular portion  82 . Locking portion  108  of another module may be inserted into receiving element  102  when locking portion  108  is vertically aligned with the ground. Once locking portion  108  is inserted, engaging element  100  may be rotated so that locking portion  108  cannot not be removed from receiving element  102 . It is contemplated that other engaging devices may be used to connect modules in a manufacturing chain such as, for example, cotter pins, magnets, or any other device capable of interlocking modules of a manufacturing chain, if desired. It is further contemplated that module connection system  68  may be omitted from frame  58 . In such a configuration, modules of the manufacturing chain may be aligned but not interconnected. 
         [0043]    Referring back to  FIG. 4 , control system  68  may include a controller  110 , which may be embodied in a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors that include a means for controlling the operation of various systems of the manufacturing module  12 - 22  and frame  58 . Numerous commercially available microprocessors can be configured to perform the functions of controller  110 . Controller  110  may include a memory, a secondary storage device, a processor, and any other components for running an application. Various other circuits may be associated with controller  110  such as utility supply circuitry, signal conditioning circuitry, and any other types of circuitry needed for the operation of the manufacturing module. It is contemplated that all control systems  68  of a manufacturing chain  10  may be interconnected through a local area network or wirelessly with one control system  68  selected as a master controller to coordinate the processes of the manufacturing chain, if desired. 
         [0044]    Control system  68  may receive input from an operator interface  112  and to control the operation of the various systems of the manufacturing module and frame  58  in response to the input. Operator interface  1   12  may receive input from an operator indicative of a desired manufacturing operation. It is contemplated that the input could alternately be a computer generated command from an automated system that assists the operator, or an autonomous system that operates in place of the operator. Specifically, operator interface  112  may be a touch screen, keyboard, control panel, or any other device capable of facilitating communication between the operator and control system  68 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  discloses an exemplary embodiment of electric infrared oven module  20 , with frame  58  in a contracted position. In the contracted position, manufacturing equipment utilized in the manufacturing process can be stored within frame  58 . A portion of mounting devices  70  on support beams  60  may be specifically located to engage the manufacturing equipment in a storage position so that the manufacturing equipment may be secured to frame  58 . The equipment storage configuration may be more compact than the equipment deployment configuration utilized when frame  58  is in the expansion position, and the equipment is operating. Alternately, the manufacturing equipment may be secured to frame  58  in the stored position via ropes, chains, belts, or any other securing device capable of securing the manufacturing equipment. 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  discloses a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of expanding frame  58 . Additionally,  FIG. 7  discloses installing module  12 - 22  in manufacturing chain  10 . Furthermore,  FIG. 7  discloses deploying and installing the manufacturing equipment on frame  58 . 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY  
       [0047]    The disclosed manufacturing system may provide portability and flexibility to a manufacturing process, by utilizing a frame capable of expansion and contraction. In addition, because of its ability to contract its size, the manufacturing system may be transported from one location to another with various transportation vehicles such as, for example, trucks, trains, airplanes, or any other device capable of transporting objects. In addition, by utilizing a modular strategy, the manufacturing system may be easily and quickly modified to address changes in consumer demand. The method for storage and deployment of a manufacturing module  12 - 22  will now be explained. 
         [0048]      FIG. 7  illustrates a flow diagram depicting an exemplary method of deploying a manufacturing module  12 - 22 . The method may begin when module  12 - 22  is removed from a shipping device such as, for example, a truck, and delivered to a desired manufacturing location (step  200 ). Once the module is positioned, the manufacturing equipment stored within frame  58  may be removed (step  202 ). 
         [0049]    After the stored manufacturing equipment is removed, control system  68  may be positioned and installed on frame  58  via mounting device  70  and utilities connection  72  (step  204 ). In addition, control system  68  may be communicatively connected to control systems  68  mounted on other manufacturing modules in the manufacturing chain via a local area network interface or wirelessly. 
         [0050]    Upon control system  68  being installed, utility source  62  may be connected with existing utility connections from the facility where the manufacturing module is being deployed (step  206 ). Alternatively, utility source  62  may be connected with utilities connection  72  of another frame  58  in manufacturing chain  10 . Once the utility connection is made, electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, and other forms of power may be provided to control system  68  and all other systems located on frame  58 . 
         [0051]    After frame  58  receives power from utility source  62 , frame  58  may be expanded into an operational position (step  208 ). This expansion may be accomplished manually or automatically by control system  68  via operator interface  112 . Control system  68  may be programmed with desired expansion dimensions of frame  58  for the particular manufacturing module being utilized. For example, the expansion dimensions of module  12  may be 16 feet by 16 feet by 20 feet. 
         [0052]    Once frame  58  is expanded into the operational position, manufacturing module  12 - 22  may be connected to other previously installed modules via module connection systems  66  (step  210 ). Engaging elements  100  of both manufacturing modules to be connected may be inserted into receiving elements  102  of each manufacturing module. In particular, locking portions  108 , while being vertically situated in relation to the ground and aligned with the geometry of receiving element  102  may be inserted into receiving elements  102 . Once locking portions  108  are inserted into receiving elements  102 , handle portions  106  may be rotated. As handle portions  106  are rotated, attached horizontal portions  104  may cause locking portions  108  to rotate in a similar fashion as handle portions  106 . When locking portions  108  are rotated so that they are horizontally situated in relation to the ground, locking portions  108  may be no longer aligned with the geometry of receiving element  102  and may be trapped inside receiving element  102 . Such entrapment may lock engagement elements  100  with receiving elements  102 . 
         [0053]    Manufacturing equipment such as, for example, infrared heater lamps  48  may be mounted on frame  58  via mounting devices  70  (step  212 ). After being mounted, the manufacturing equipment may be connected to the facility utilities and/or utilities of other manufacturing modules in manufacturing chain  10  via utility connections  72  (step  214 ). The manufacturing module  12 - 22  may then be ready for operation. 
         [0054]    The disengaging of module  12 - 22  from manufacturing chain  10  and the collapsing of frame  58  may be accomplished by performing steps  200 - 214  in the reverse order. The process may begin with the removal of the manufacturing equipment from frame  58  and end with the reattachment of the manufacturing equipment to frame  58  when frame  58  is in a contracted state. 
         [0055]    Because of the compactness of the manufacturing module, when it is in a storage configuration, it can be transported by a wide variety of transportation vehicles such as, for example, fork lifts, shipping containers, trucks, air planes, or any other transportation vehicle. Due to the flexibility of transportation means, the manufacturing module can be moved to another location within a manufacturing facility, to another manufacturing facility, or to a customer&#39;s job site. The variety of possible deployment locations for the manufacturing module need not be limited by the needs of one type of transportation system. For example, the location of deployment of the manufacturing module need not be limited to a site that is adjacent to a road because of the limitations of being transported by a truck. 
         [0056]    Additionally, the size and geometry of the manufacturing chain assembled from multiple manufacturing modules may not be limited by the size and geometry of transportation vehicles. Each module of the manufacturing chain may be moved by different transportation vehicles allowing a wide variety of possible sizes and configurations not limited by the size of a single transportation device. The wide variety of possible sizes and configurations may include, for example, “L” shaped or “U” shaped configurations. In addition, modules may be added to or removed from the manufacturing chain as needed. Such flexibility may increase the variety of possible finished products that may produced and manufacturing processes that may be performed. 
         [0057]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the disclosed system without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.