PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9981302-B2
Application Number: US-201514604656-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Versatile dynamic stamping/restriking tool

Abstract:
A stamping tool and a method for deforming a part with the stamping tool are disclosed. The stamping tool may include an array of striking members (e.g., pins), each striking member capable of being actuated independently with respect to the other striking members. In some embodiments, the stamping tool is part of a system having a vision system and a computing device. The vision system is capable of scanning the part to determine a location or location in which the array of striking members will engage the part. The deforming operation can include a rework operation subsequent to another process, or alternatively, the deforming operation can include deforming the part such that the part includes a three-dimensional shape. Also, the part can be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional part made from metal (e.g., aluminum, steel) or plastic.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for modifying a shape of an exterior surface of an enclosure for a portable electronic device, the system comprising:
 a controller capable of providing a striking instruction; 
 a driving mechanism in communication with (i) the controller, and (ii) at least one striking member; and 
 a vision system in communication with the controller, the vision system configured to (i) determine a strike location on the exterior surface, and (ii) send information corresponding to the strike location to the controller, wherein the controller uses the information to provide the striking instruction to the driving mechanism that, in turn, causes the at least one striking member to strike the exterior surface at the strike location. 
 
     
     
       2. The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein modifying the shape of the exterior surface causes the enclosure to be within a specified predetermined tolerance. 
     
     
       3. The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein, prior to modifying the shape, the exterior surface has a three-dimensional surface. 
     
     
       4. The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one striking member includes a surface area of approximately 0.1 square millimeters. 
     
     
       5. The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one striking member is part of an array of striking members that are capable of conforming to the shape of the exterior surface while the controller causes the at least one striking member to strike the exterior surface at the strike location. 
     
     
       6. The system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a robotic assembly in communication with the driving mechanism and the controller, the robotic assembly being capable of further causing the at least one striking member to strike the exterior surface at the strike location. 
 
     
     
       7. The system as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the controller is capable of causing the at least one striking member to strike the exterior surface at the strike location in a direction that is generally orthogonal to the exterior surface. 
     
     
       8. The system as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the at least one striking member is capable of being independently actuated by the driving mechanism relative to remaining striking members of the array of striking members. 
     
     
       9. A stamping system for deforming a portion of an enclosure for a portable electronic device, the stamping system comprising:
 an array of striking members comprising at least a first striking member and a second striking member that are capable of being actuated to deform the portion of the enclosure; 
 a robotic assembly in communication with the array of striking members, the robotic assembly being capable of positioning the array of striking members in a direction towards the portion of the enclosure; and 
 at least one driving mechanism in communication with the robotic assembly and the array of striking members, wherein the at least one driving mechanism is capable of actuating the array of striking members to strike the portion of the enclosure, thereby deforming the portion of the enclosure. 
 
     
     
       10. The stamping system of  claim 9 , wherein the robotic assembly is capable of positioning the array of striking members in a non-perpendicular direction relative to the portion of the enclosure. 
     
     
       11. The stamping system of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one driving mechanism includes a first driving mechanism capable of actuating the first striking member, and a second driving mechanism capable of actuating the second striking member. 
     
     
       12. The stamping system of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one driving mechanism is capable of actuating the array of striking members in x-, y-, and z-directions. 
     
     
       13. The stamping system of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a controller in communication with the at least one driving mechanism and the robotic assembly, the controller being capable of providing striking instructions for actuating the array of striking members based on the portion of the enclosure. 
 
     
     
       14. The stamping system of  claim 11 , wherein the first driving mechanism is a first motor and the second driving mechanism is a second motor. 
     
     
       15. The stamping system of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a vision system in communication with the controller, the vision system being capable of determining the portion of the enclosure. 
 
     
     
       16. A method for modifying an enclosure for a portable electronic device, the method comprising:
 receiving a profile of a three-dimensional surface of the enclosure; 
 generating modification parameters that are based on the profile; and 
 sending an instruction that includes at least the modification parameters to a driving mechanism, wherein the driving mechanism is in communication with an array of striking members, and the instruction causes the driving mechanism to actuate the array of striking members to impact the three-dimensional surface of the enclosure with a strike force, thereby modifying the three-dimensional surface according to the modification parameters. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16 , wherein the driving mechanism is in communication with a robotic arm, and the robotic arm carries the array of striking members in a direction towards the three-dimensional surface. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 16 , wherein actuating the array of striking members comprises performing a rework operation to the enclosure. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 16 , wherein the array of striking members includes at least a first striking member and a second striking member, and the first striking member is independently actuatable from the second striking member. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19 , wherein the first striking member is capable of being actuated at a first distance, and the second striking member is capable of being actuated at a second distance that is different from the first distance.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of International Application PCT/US15/12688, with an international filing date of Jan. 23, 2015, entitled “Versatile Dynamic Stamping/Restriking Tool”, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/057,723 filed Sep. 30, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to stamping deformable materials. In particular, the present embodiments relate to versatile dynamic stamping tool for localized deformation. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional stamping tools are used to perform a standard stamping operation to a part. These tools may be used to bend or crease the part in order to create a desired shape or configuration. Other conventional stamping tools may be used to provide relief from stress or strain incurred by a bending preceding stamping process. 
     However, these conventional stamping tools are limited to perform a static stamping operation. For example, the tool is generally stationary and configured to perform the same operation on subsequent parts. This may be less useful when stresses or other imperfections are in varying locations in which the static operation is not configured to provide relief. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a dynamic stamping tool is described. The dynamic stamping tool may include a matrix of striking members comprising a striking member capable of independent actuation with respect to remaining striking members in the matrix and capable of striking a part in order to perform a deforming operation to the part. The dynamic stamping tool may further include a driving mechanism capable of actuating the striking member. The dynamic stamping tool may further include a vision system. The vision system may be configured to scan the part. The vision system may also be configured to determine a location at which selected striking members will engage the part to perform the deforming operation. 
     In another aspect, a stamping tool for deforming a part is described. The stamping tool may include several striking members. The several striking members may include a first striking member and a second striking member. The stamping tool may further include several driving mechanisms. The several driving mechanisms may include a first driving mechanism coupled to the first striking member and a second driving mechanism coupled to the second striking member. In some embodiments, the first driving mechanism is capable of actuating the first striking member. Also, in some embodiments, the second driving mechanism is capable of actuating the second striking member. 
     In another aspect, a method for performing a deforming operation to a part is described. The method may include scanning the part to create a profile of the part. The method may further include sending the profile to a computing device. The method may further include sending an instruction, based on the profile, from the computing device to a driving mechanism. In some embodiments, the driving mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a servo motor, a stepper motor, a can follower, and a piston. The method may further include actuating a striking member with the driving mechanism, based on the instruction, to engage the part. In some embodiments, the part is transformed from a first shape to a second shape different than the first shape. 
     In another aspect, a method for performing a deforming operation to a part is described. The method may include receiving a profile of a scanned part by a computing device. The method may further include sending an instruction, based on the profile, from the computing device to a driving mechanism. In some embodiments, the driving mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a servo motor, a stepper motor, a cam follower, and a piston. Also, in some embodiments, the driving mechanism actuates the striking member in response to the instruction to engage the part, causing the part to be transformed from a first shape to a second shape different than the first shape. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an array of striking members; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a striking member actuated by a driving mechanism and a lever coupled to the striking member and the driving mechanism; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment of a striking member actuated by a driving mechanism and a lever, with the lever orientated in different manner; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an isometric view of a system that employs an array of striking members to perform a repair or rework operation to an enclosure, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of an enlarged portion of a part having a defect, shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates the profile of the array of striking members shown in  FIG. 5 , with the part removed; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates the partial cross sectional view of the part shown in  FIG. 5 , with the defect removed due to actuation of the array of striking members; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross sectional view of an array of striking members orientated approximately at a 45-degree angle, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view of the array of striking members engaged with the part, as shown in  FIG. 8 , with the defect removed due to actuation of the array of striking members; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric view of an array of striking members engaged with a part; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates the embodiment of the array of striking members and the part shown in  FIG. 10 , with the array of striking members actuated to deform the part to include a design; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a striking member having a needle-like configuration with a rounded tip region, further with the tip region have a smaller diameter than that of the base region; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a top view of a striking member having a four-sided configuration; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a top view of a striking member having a five-sided configuration; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a striking member formed from a first material and a second material embedded in the first material; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment of a striking member formed from a first material and a second material; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a flowchart showing a method for performing a deforming operation to a part; and 
         FIG. 18  illustrates an alternate embodiment of a system that employs an array of striking members to perform a repair or rework operation to an enclosure. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     The following disclosure relates to a dynamic stamping tool having a matrix, or array, of striking members (e.g., needles or needle-like structures), with each striking member capable of simultaneous actuation or independent actuation with respect to the remaining striking members in the matrix. The matrix of striking members can be actuated to engage or strike a part in order to perform a deforming operation to the part. In some cases, the deforming operation includes restoring the part to remove an irregularity or imperfection of the part, such that the part is within a specified tolerance. In other cases, the deforming operation is designed to form a two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape within the part. The needles can vary in size. In some cases, the surface area of a needle is approximately 0.1 square millimeters. Each needle may be connected to a small driving mechanism (e.g., motor) capable of actuating the striking member. A vision system can be used to scan the part to determine the location or locations in which the striking members will engage the part. The vision system may send an electrical signal as an input to a computing device (e.g., CPU). The computing device can then output an electrical signal to each of the driving mechanisms with the electrical signal carrying instructions for actuating the needles. 
     Also, the dynamic stamping tool can be oriented at several angles to perform the deforming operation. Further, the stamping tool is configured to conform to not only two-dimensional parts, but also three-dimensional parts. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-18 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Also, it will be appreciated that in the following embodiments, some structures may not be drawn to scale and are exaggerated or enlarged to show detail. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of array  100  of striking members, or simply referred to as array  100 . As shown, array  100  includes first striking member  102  and second striking member  104 , both of which may be representative striking member for the remaining striking members. In some embodiments, first striking member  102  and second striking member  104  are needle-like pins having a generally cylindrical body with first striking member  102  and second striking member  104  having first diameter  106  and second diameter  108 , respectively, with first diameter  106  and second diameter  108  serving as representative diameters for the diameters of the remaining striking members. First diameter  106  and second diameter  108  may vary in different embodiments, and are approximately in the range of 0.2 millimeters to 1 millimeter. However, in other embodiments, first diameter  106  and second diameter  108  are greater than 1 millimeter. Also, the striking members (of array  100 ) may include length  110  approximately in the range of 0.5 to 3 centimeters. Also, the striking members may be made from rigid materials, such as steel. Other variations in material(s) will be discussed below. 
     Array  100  of striking members may form part of a tool used to deform a part, such as an enclosure of an electronic device. Deformation may include a rework operation to bend or relieve stress to the part to return the part to an initial shape prior to the bend or the stress. Deformation may also include forming a shape into the part, which may be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape. Also, the striking members of array  100  are capable of simultaneous actuation. However, in order to deform the part to a desired shape or dimension, each striking member of array  100  may move independently with respect to each other. Also, due to the nature of engaging or striking a part, array  100  is configured to allow for the individual striking members, such as first striking member  102  and/or second striking member  104 , to be replaced if broken or worn down by a replacement striking member. This allows for continued use of array  100 , that is, array  100  need not be discarded to due to one or more striking members breaking or wearing down, thereby lowering the overall cost of array  100 . 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 1 , array  100  is an 8×8 matrix of striking members. However, the number of striking members may vary according to the application. For example, in some embodiments, array  100  includes as few as two striking members. In other embodiments, ten or more striking members form array  100 . 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate exemplary techniques for actuating an individual striking member, in accordance with the described embodiments.  FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of striking member  202  actuated by driving mechanism  212  and lever  214  coupled to driving mechanism  212  and striking member  202 . It will be appreciated that striking member  202  is a representative striking member of several other striking members. As shown, striking member  202  may move in a linear direction (e.g., vertically up and down as denoted by linear arrows) in response to driving mechanism  212  rotating clockwise or counterclockwise (as denoted by non-linear arrows). In some embodiments, driving mechanism  212  is a motor, such as a stepper motor. In other embodiments, driving mechanism  212  is a cam follower engaged with a motor. Still, in other embodiments, driving mechanism  212  is a wobble plate (not shown) coupled to one or more striking members. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , driving mechanism  212  is a servo motor. Generally, any driving mechanism may be used which is relatively small in size and capable of actuating striking member  202  precise distances. For example, each striking member in an array (e.g., array  100 ) may move a distance ranging from approximately 40-50 micrometers to a few millimeters. Also, each striking member of an array may be coupled to a driving mechanism to allow for movement of individual striking members. Alternatively, a driving mechanism may be coupled to two or more striking members so long as the driving mechanism is capable of individually actuating each striking member. In some embodiments, guide  222  may be used to ensure striking member  202  extends in a substantially linear direction. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment of striking member  302  actuated by driving mechanism  312 , with lever  314  oriented in a different manner. It will be appreciated that striking member  302  is a representative striking member of several other striking members. Driving mechanism  312  may be any driving mechanism previously described. Striking member  302  may also move linearly in response to rotational movement of driving mechanism  312  (as denoted by the arrows). 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an isometric view of a system  400  that employs array  402  of striking members to perform a repair or rework operation to part  404 , in accordance with the described embodiments. In some embodiments, part  404  is an enclosure of an electronic device. Also, part  404  may be made from metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel) or plastic. Also, in some embodiments, part  404  is a two-dimensional surface. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , part  404  includes a three-dimensional surface with defect  408  also having a three-dimensional configuration. However, the versatility of array  402  of striking members is such that the individual striking members can conform to a portion of part  404  and/or defect  408 . As a result, array  402  of striking members can be used on various two-dimensional or three-dimensional surfaces. 
     System  400  may include vision system  406  configured to scan part  404  (e.g., enclosure of an electronic device or a display used with an electronic device) to identify defects or irregularities of part  404 , such as defect  408 . In some embodiments, vision system  406  includes several lasers, with each laser configured to measure a distance such that vision system  406  forms a three-dimensional profile of part  404 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , vision system  406  is a camera configured to capture an image. Also, in some embodiments, vision system  406  includes a processor (not shown) capable of processing an image and comparing it to an image of a part made within the specified tolerances, i.e., no defects. This comparison may be sent as an input via an electrical signal to computing device  410 . Alternatively, vision system  406  may deliver raw data for processing to computing device  410 . 
     In some embodiments, computing device  410  is a central processing unit (“CPU”). As shown, computing device  410  includes graphical user interface  412  and control inputs  414 , both of which allow an operator to provide a control input to vision system  406 , computing device  410 , robotic assembly  420 , and/or driving mechanism (not shown) of array  402  of striking members. 
     Computing device  410  is capable of receiving the electrical signal input from vision system  406 —as either a raw image or a comparison—and processing the information. For example, computing device  410  may send instructions directly to the driving mechanisms (not shown) that actuate array  402  of striking members, or alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 4 , to a robotic assembly  420 . These instructions, in the form of an electrical control output, provide a control signal to robotic assembly  420  not only to actuate robotic arm  422 , but also to the driving mechanism to actuate array  402  of striking members in a desired manner. For example, array  402  of striking members is positioned proximate to defect  408  and instructions to the driving mechanism to actuate at least some of the striking members of array  402 . In this manner, at least some of the array  402  engage part  404 , and in particular, defect  408 , to deform part  404  and remove defect  408  from part  404  such that part  404  is within a specified tolerance. Also, although not shown, part  404  may be positioned on table  430  in a different manner, and robotic assembly  420  may be configured to orient array  402  of striking members horizontally to remove a defect in a sidewall, such as first sidewall  416 , of part  404 . Also, in some embodiments, the input signal from vision system  406  to computing device  410  and/or control signal from computing device  410  to either robotic assembly  420  or driving mechanisms of array  402  may be sent and received via a wireless connection (e.g., Wi-Fi). In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , system  400  uses wired connections. 
       FIGS. 5-7  illustrate an exemplary movement of array  402  of striking members. For purposes of clarity and illustration, some features are removed.  FIG. 5  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of an enlarged portion of part  404  having defect  408 , shown in  FIG. 4 . This illustration is intended to show array  402  of striking members are configured not only to move independently with respect to each other and conform to part  404 , but also to show that some striking members move further than other striking members. Also, array  402  of striking members may include a lock (not shown) that prevents array  402  from lateral or other unwanted movement. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the profile of array  402  of striking members shown in  FIG. 5 , with part  404  (in  FIG. 5 ) removed. For example, in order to conform to the profile of defect  408  (in  FIG. 5 ), both first striking member  432  and second striking member  434  are positioned lower, in the z-direction, than third striking member  436 . Further, first striking member  432  is positioned lower than second striking member  434 , in a z-direction. However, each striking member of array  402 , including first striking member  432 , second striking member  434 , and third striking member  436 , is configured for engagement with defect  408 . It will be appreciated that array  402  of striking members can generally conform to the shape of any defect in order to remove the defect. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the partial cross sectional view of part  404  shown in  FIG. 5 , with the defect removed due to the actuation of array  402  of striking members. As shown, array  402  of striking members is configured to restore part  404  to a contour or shape within a desired tolerance or specification. In other words, array  402  of striking members can be actuated (e.g., in a z-direction) based on instructions from, for example, computing device  410  (shown in  FIG. 4 ), to remove a defect. Accordingly, in order to remove the defect, first striking member  432  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) is actuated a greater distance than second striking member  434  (shown in  FIG. 6 ), which in turn is actuated a greater distance than third striking member  436  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). This illustrates the compound instructions the computing device can deliver to array  402  of striking members in order to perform a rework or repair operation. Accordingly, each striking member may perform an individual deformation such that the array  402  collectively forms a deformation. 
     Although the structures and processes described in  FIGS. 4-7  are directed to fixing a defect, system  400  may also be configured to perform an operation to deform a two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape into part  404 , such as an indicium (e.g., letter, logo, number, etc.) or multiple indicia. This will be discussed below. 
     The array of striking members can be oriented in different directions to perform a deforming operation at an angle. For example,  FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate an embodiment of array  500  of striking members oriented at an angle with respect to part  504  in order to perform a deformation operation to defect  508  of part  504 . It will be appreciated that array  500  of striking members can be incorporated for use in a system, such as system  400  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a cross sectional view of array  500  of striking member oriented approximately at a 45-degree angle, in accordance with the described embodiments. However, the angle shown should not be construed as limited to a 45-degree angle as array  500  of striking members can generally be oriented in any angle with respect to part  504 . As shown, array  500  of striking members is aligned with defect  508 .  FIG. 9  illustrates the cross sectional view of array  500  of striking member engaged with part  504 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , with the defect of part  504  removed due to actuation of array  500  of striking members. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate an isometric view of array  600  of striking members configured to deform part  604  to incorporate a shape or design into part  604 , in accordance with the described embodiments.  FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric view of array  600  of striking members engaged with part  604 . Part  604  may be made from any material previously described for a part.  FIG. 11  illustrates the embodiment of array  600  of striking members and part  604  shown in  FIG. 10 , with array  600  of striking members actuated to deform part  604  to include a design  608 . In particular, selected striking members of array  600  may be actuated to form design  608 . Array  600  may receive a control input from a computing device (e.g., computing device  410  in  FIG. 4 ) in order to actuate array  600  to form design  608  in part  604 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , design  608  is generally ring-shaped. However, design  608  may be selected from a variety of indicia, including various polygonal configurations. This may include a letter, number, logo, etc. 
       FIGS. 12-16  illustrate various embodiments of a striking member that may be incorporated as part of an array of striking members, in accordance with the described embodiments. Also, the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 12-16  include dimensions substantially similar to those shown in previous embodiments, in terms of surface area and length.  FIG. 12  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of striking member  702  having a generally rounded, needle-like configuration with tip region  704 , with tip region  704  having a smaller diameter than that of base region  706 .  FIG. 13  illustrates a top view of striking member  802  having a four-sided configuration  804 .  FIG. 14  illustrates a top view of striking member  902  having a five-sided configuration  904 . 
     Some embodiments of a striking member may include multiple materials. For example,  FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of striking member  1002  formed from first material  1004  and second material  1006 . In some embodiments, second material  1006  is a diamond embedded in first material  1004 . This may be used in instances when the part to be deformed is relatively stiff, or to perform a cutting or piercing operation to the part.  FIG. 16  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of striking member  1102  formed from first material  1104  and second material  1106 . First material  1104  may be made from a relatively dense and/or expensive material as compared to second material  1106 . Striking member  1102  may be used for special applications in which first material  1104  is ideal for deforming a part. Also, in cases where first material  1104  is more expensive than that of second material  1106 , striking member  1102  may be produced at a reduced cost by using less expensive materials. Also, in some embodiments, striking member  1102  is formed from a brazing process of first material  1104  and second material  1106 . In some embodiments, a sintering process is used to form striking member  1102 . 
     Although several embodiments of the array of striking members illustrate generally identical striking members, the striking members may vary in design, shape, and/or materials used within the array. Further, any of the striking members shown in  FIGS. 12-16  may be used in at least some of the embodiments shown in this detailed description. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a flowchart  1200  showing a method for performing a deforming operation to a part. In step  1202 , the part is scanned to create a profile. Scanning means may be performed by a vision system. In some embodiments, the vision system creates a profile by comparing the scanned image of the part to an image of the part known to be within a specified tolerance. In other embodiments, the vision system is capable of transmitting the raw data to another device. Also, the vision system may include an array of lasers, with each laser configured to measure a distance from the vision system to the part to create a three-dimensional profile of the part. 
     In step  1204 , the profile is sent to a computing device. This may be performed by a comparison or by sending raw data in a manner previously described. In some embodiments, the computing device is a central processing unit having at least one processor configured to process information transmitted from the vision system. 
     In step  1206 , instructions are sent from the computing device to a driving mechanism. The instruction may be based on the information received by the computing device from the vision system. The instruction may include a control signal to actuate one or more of the driving mechanisms. In some embodiments, the instructions are sent to a robotic assembly to control the robotic assembly, which may include a robotic arm that carries an array of striking members. The instructions further include a control signal to one or more driving mechanisms to actuate corresponding striking members. Also, the driving mechanism or mechanisms may be selected from a servo motor, a stepper motor, cam follower, and a piston. 
     In step  1208 , the driving mechanism actuates at least one striking member. The actuation is based on an instruction or instructions from the computing device. In this manner, the striking member engages the part to transform the part from a first shape to a second shape different from the first shape. In some embodiments, the second shape is part of a rework or repair operation to place the part within a specified tolerance. In other embodiments, the second shape is part of an indicium formed into the part, the indicium selected from a variety of desired shapes previously described. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an alternate embodiment of a system that employs an array of striking members to perform a repair or rework operation to enclosure. As shown, system  1300  includes components confined within system  1300 , including array  1302  of striking members. Array  1302  is secured to a track  1304  configured to actuate array  1302  in x-, y-, and z-directions. System  1300  further includes vision system  1306  configured to view a part and provide feedback to a computing device (e.g., CPU) within system  1300 . Vision system  1306  may include any device or configuration previously described for use within a system inspecting a part. System  1300  may further include control input region  1308  having monitor  1310  and control inputs  1312 . In some embodiments, monitor  1310  may be a graphical user interface that allows for control inputs to the computing device. Several control inputs are available, such as starting and stopping operations (of system  1300 ), changing parameters of array  1302  and/or vision system  1306 , and inputting to the computing device which part is positioned within system  1300 . It will be appreciated that array  1302  of striking members are configured to deform a part (e.g., enclosure of an electronic device) in order to remove a defect, based on an electrical control signal received from the computing device. The electrical control signal may be derived from an input received from vision system  1306 . 
     In some embodiments (not shown), an upper region  1314  of system  1300  is configured to receive several walls, one of which includes a door. In this manner, system  1300  is equipped with safety features to prevent or limit injury. Also, system  1300  could be used to deform a part to include a two- or three-dimensional shape in a manner previously described. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20150123
Publication Date: 20180529
Grant Date: 20180529
Priority Date: 20140930
Inventors: ZHANG, YI
WILLIAMS, STEPHEN L.
PFEIFFER, ED MICHAEL
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B21D22/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B21D22/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B21D37/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B21D53/886", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B21D5/01", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B21D22/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B21D13/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B21D22/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B21D43/003", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B21D43/003", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B21D5/01", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B21D22/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B21D22/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B21D53/886", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B21D22/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B21D13/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B21D37/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B21D22/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 55583480