Patent ID: 8050788

Claim:
An apparatus for optimizing an assembly process within a confined work space, the apparatus comprising: a handheld assembly tool configured for completing the assembly process within the confined work space, wherein the handheld assembly tool is a handheld torque wrench having an axis of rotation and configured to install a threaded fastener as part of the assembly process; a local positioning module (LPM) connected to said handheld assembly tool, said LPM having a plurality of sensors configured to collect a set of raw data describing the motion of said LPM within the confined work space, wherein the plurality of sensors includes three gyroscopes and three accelerometers configured for measuring the motion of the LPM along a respective X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis of the LPM, three magnetometers configured for measuring a magnetic field in proximity to the LPM, and a temperature sensor configured for measuring a temperature of the LPM; a host machine in wireless communication with the LPM and operable for calculating a present position of the LPM within the work space using the set of raw data, and for comparing the present position to a corresponding position in a predetermined assembly sequence; and a control unit in communication with the host machine and the handheld assembly tool, wherein the control unit is operable for automatically updating a torque setting of the handheld assembly tool in response to a signal from the host machine; wherein the host machine is operable for signaling the control unit to automatically update the torque setting, and is further operable for executing at least one control action when the present position is not equal to the corresponding position.