Method and system for aligning fixture modifications linked to workpieces

Abstract

The present disclosure provides "Methods and systems for linking clamp modifications to workpieces." The present disclosure relates to a dimensional automatic linking system for associating a clamp with a workpiece. The system includes a clamp module repository, a barcode imprint, and a clamp-workpiece data controller. The clamp module repository stores a clamp record for a registered clamp module, where the clamp record includes a workpiece entry portion for linking the clamp of the registered clamp module to an object workpiece. The workpiece entry portion includes a clamp modification field for identifying modifications made to the clamp in order to mount the object workpiece on the clamp. The barcode imprint is configured to include data for identifying the clamp record of the registered clamp module. The clamp-workpiece data controller is communicably coupled to an external computing device and is operable to populate the workpiece entry portion of the clamp record based on information obtained from the external computing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to systems and / or methods for controlling modifications to fixtures during part manufacturing. Background Technology

[0002] The descriptions in this section provide only background information relevant to this disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] During the manufacturing process of articles (e.g., vehicles, furniture, electronic devices, etc.), fixtures are used to precisely align parts (i.e., workpieces) at desired coordinates or locations and to restrict movement of the parts. Sometimes, due to manufacturing variations, two parts formed using the same specifications may differ from each other, but still within set tolerances. Therefore, fixtures are generally configured to accommodate such differences by having adjustable locators configured to receive the parts at specific locations along the parts.

[0004] Dimensional differences between components can be used, for example, to identify improvements to component design, analyze the quality of components / parts from suppliers, and / or for other product development analyses. However, due to the complexity of the manufacturing process, tracking dimensional differences during manufacturing can be difficult. This disclosure addresses these and other problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This section provides a general overview of this disclosure rather than a full disclosure of its entire scope or all its features.

[0006] In one form, this disclosure relates to an automated dimensional linking system for associating a fixture with a workpiece. The system includes a fixture module store, a barcode imprint, and a fixture-workpiece data controller. The fixture module store is configured to store fixture records of registered fixture modules, wherein the fixture records include a fixture portion for identifying the fixture module and a workpiece entry portion for linking the registered fixture module to an object workpiece. The workpiece entry portion includes a fixture modification field for identifying modifications made to the fixture to mount the object workpiece onto the fixture. The barcode imprint is located at the registered fixture module, is scannable by a device, and is configured to include data for identifying the fixture record of the registered fixture module. The fixture-workpiece data controller is communicatively coupled to an external computing device and is operable to populate the workpiece entry portion of the fixture record based on information obtained from the external computing device.

[0007] In another embodiment, the automatic dimensional linking system also includes multiple barcode imprints located at multiple registered fixture modules. The fixture module repository stores multiple fixture records for the multiple registered fixture modules, with one barcode imprint associated with one fixture record.

[0008] In another form, the fixture-workpiece data controller is configured to retrieve a selected fixture record from the plurality of fixture records in response to the device scanning a barcode imprint associated with the selected fixture record.

[0009] In one form, the data of the barcode imprint indicates the file path of the fixture record within the fixture module's storage.

[0010] In another form, the automatic dimensional linking system also includes a data search controller communicatively coupled to the external controller and operable to search the fixture module repository based on one or more queries received from the external controller.

[0011] In another form, the barcode imprint is located on the clamp of the clamp module.

[0012] In one embodiment, the barcode imprint is located on the unit frame that houses the fixture.

[0013] In another form, the information from the external computing device includes workpiece identification information for identifying the workpiece and fixture modification information for identifying modifications made to one or more positioners of the fixture. The fixture-workpiece data controller stores the workpiece identification information and the fixture modification information in the fixture record.

[0014] In another form, this disclosure relates to a vehicle assembly data management system that communicates with one or more external computing devices and includes the fixture-workpiece linking system. The vehicle assembly data management system further includes a parts tracking system and a product development tool. The parts tracking system is configured to store manufacturing information associated with multiple workpieces, said manufacturing information including at least one of: workpiece identification information; one or more manufacturing facilities associated with the workpiece; and performance test data of parts formed from the workpiece. The product development tool is operable to analyze data provided in the fixture-workpiece linking system and the parts tracking system based on commands from the external computing device.

[0015] In one form, this disclosure relates to a method for linking dimensional features of a fixture to a workpiece. The method includes storing a plurality of fixture records of a plurality of registered fixture modules in a library, wherein each fixture record includes a fixture portion for identifying a fixture associated with a registered fixture module and a workpiece entry portion for linking the registered fixture module to an object workpiece. The workpiece entry portion includes a fixture modification field for identifying modifications made to the fixture for mounting the object workpiece onto the fixture. The method further includes: associating a plurality of barcode imprints with the plurality of fixture records, wherein each barcode imprint is configured to include data for identifying a fixture record among the plurality of fixture records; displaying a linking interface by a controller in response to scanning of a barcode imprint among the plurality of barcode imprints; extracting data from one or more of the populated query fields from the plurality of query fields of the interface by the controller; and storing the extracted data by the controller in the workpiece entry portion of the fixture record associated with the scanned barcode imprint. The link interface has multiple query fields that will be populated by the user via an external computing device, and the multiple query fields include a workpiece identification field for obtaining information about the workpiece and a fixture modification field for obtaining information about modifications made to the fixture due to the workpiece.

[0016] In another form, the method further includes registering a fixture module as one of the plurality of registered fixture modules in the fixture module repository.

[0017] In another form, registering the fixture module further includes: generating a fixture record for the fixture module from the fixture-workpiece data, and storing the fixture record in the fixture module repository as one of the plurality of fixture records; associating a barcode imprint with the fixture record of the fixture module; and attaching the barcode imprint to at least one of the fixtures of the fixture module or objects associated with the fixture module.

[0018] In one form, the data from the barcode imprint indicates a unique identifier for identifying the fixture record within the fixture module's storage.

[0019] In another form, the method further includes: displaying a search interface with one or more search query fields to be filled by a data search controller; searching the fixture module repository by the data search controller based on one or more filled search queries received from the external controller; and outputting the search results to the external computing device. The one or more search queries are associated with data for at least one of: identifying fixture records among the plurality of fixture records; or identifying workpieces linked to one or more of the registered fixture modules through the fixture records.

[0020] In one form, this disclosure relates to an automated vehicle sizing linking system comprising a storage library, a barcode, and a data controller. The storage library stores a fixture record of a fixture module, and the fixture record has a workpiece entry portion for tracking modifications made to the fixtures of the fixture module due to workpieces mounted thereon. The barcode can be scanned by a device to retrieve the fixture record of the fixture module. The data controller is operable to populate the workpiece entry portion of the fixture record based on workpiece information obtained from an external computing device.

[0021] In another form, the barcode is located on the fixture. In yet another form, the barcode is located at the unit frame of the fixture module that houses the fixture.

[0022] In one embodiment, the automatic dimensional linking system further includes multiple barcodes for the multiple clamping modules. The storage repository stores multiple clamping records for the multiple clamping modules, with one barcode associated with a clamping record.

[0023] In another form, the data controller is configured to retrieve the selected fixture record from the plurality of fixture records in response to scanning of a barcode imprint associated with the selected fixture record.

[0024] Further applications will become apparent from the descriptions provided herein. It should be understood that these descriptions and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To facilitate a good understanding of this disclosure, various forms of the disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 A clamp with multiple positioners is shown in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 An automatic linking system for dimensions is shown in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a fixture control program executed by an automated dimension linking system in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4 The main menu interface displayed by the size automatic linking system according to the teachings of this disclosure is shown;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a new fixture registration procedure performed by an automated dimension linking system in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 6A A registration interface displayed by an automatic size linking system in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure is shown;

[0032] Figure 6B A fixture record displayed by an automatic dimension linking system in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure is shown;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a workpiece registration procedure performed by an automated dimension linking system in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 8 A fixture-workpiece interface displayed by an automatic dimension linking system in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure is shown;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a search request procedure performed by a size-automatic linking system in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 10 A search interface displayed by an automatic size linking system in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure is shown; and

[0037] Figure 11 This is a block diagram of a vehicle assembly data management (VADM) system with an automatic dimension linking system, based on the teachings of this disclosure.

[0038] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The following description is exemplary in nature only and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its use. It should be understood that throughout the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0040] The fixture is configured to control the position of a workpiece mounted on it. In one form, the fixture is configured to have one or more positioners to control the position of the workpiece at a single point (i.e., single-axis control), at two points (i.e., dual-axis control), and at three points (i.e., planar control). For example, see reference... Figure 1 The fixture 100 includes a single-axis locator 102 (i.e., a two-way locator) and a two-axis locator 104 (i.e., a four-way locator), which may be referred to as locators 102 and 104. The fixture 100 is configured to receive a workpiece 106, which includes a first alignment element 108 and a second alignment element 110 for engaging with the single-axis locator 102 and the two-axis locator 104, respectively. In one form, the single-axis locator 102 and the two-axis locator are configured as pins / pillars, and the first alignment element 108 and the second alignment element 110 of the workpiece 106 are formed by holes received by their respective locators. Although not shown, the fixture 100 may include planar locators for aligning the workpiece 106 along three points.

[0041] To compensate for dimensional differences between workpieces, the positioners 102 and 104 of the fixture 100 can be adjustable. That is, the alignment element on the first workpiece can be slightly offset from the alignment element on the second workpiece. Therefore, the positioners of the fixture can be adjustable to compensate for this difference. For example, the single-axis positioner 102 can move along a single-axis path 112, and the dual-axis positioner 104 can move along axial paths 114A and 114B that are orthogonal to each other.

[0042] While fixture 100 is presented as a separate component for receiving different workpieces, a fixture can also be a component (e.g., a sub-assembly) that includes a locator element for receiving another part / workpiece. For example, a front bumper assembly of a vehicle that receives a headlight module (e.g., a workpiece) is also a type of fixture. Specifically, the front bumper assembly includes a locator, such as a single-axis locator, to align the headlight assembly and control its movement. Shims can be added to or removed from the single-axis locator to compensate for any dimensional differences in the headlight assembly.

[0043] Dimensional variations in a given workpiece can affect the characteristics of the final part (i.e., article) formed from the workpiece and its potential downstream processing. This disclosure relates to an automated dimensional linking system for automatically linking, or in other words, tracking, dimensional adjustments to a fixture caused by workpieces mounted on it. This automated dimensional linking system manages a database of registered fixture modules, stores data related to workpieces mounted on the fixture, and records modifications made to the fixture modules. The stored data is searchable and can be used as part of a closed-loop product development tool for, for example: determining the number of times the fixture has been modified; identifying workpieces associated with modifications; and / or outputting data to another system to correlate modifications to the fixture with data related to the final part formed from the workpiece once mounted on the fixture. Additionally, in one form, the automated dimensional linking system can be accessed by multiple computing devices via a network, allowing product development teams to monitor variations in the part manufacturing process caused by dimensional variations.

[0044] refer to Figure 2 The size-automatic linking system 200 is configured to communicate with an external computing device 202, such as a tablet computer (shown), laptop computer, smartphone, or other suitable computing device. System 200 and computing device 202 are communicatively coupled via a network (not shown) accessible via a wired or wireless communication link. Although system 200 is shown communicating with one computing device 202, system 200 may communicate with multiple computing devices located at the same and / or other locations.

[0045] In one form, the dimensional automatic linking system 200 is a computer or server configured to store data and computer-readable instructions in memory (e.g., ROM / RAM) and execute instructions via one or more processors. System 200 is configured to include a communication interface 210, a fixture-workpiece data controller 212, and a data search controller 214. Communication interface 210 is configured to communicate with computing device 202 via a network to allow user access to the dimensional automatic linking system 200. Through the use of one or more graphical user interfaces, communication interface 210 associates information with and receives data from computing device 202. Communication interface 210 relays the received data to fixture-workpiece data controller 212 or data search controller 214 for further processing.

[0046] The fixture-workpiece data controller 212 is configured to register fixture modules and store data related to the registered fixture modules and the workpieces mounted on the fixtures. In one form, the fixture-workpiece data controller 212 includes a fixture module registration library 216, a fixture module storage library 218, and a fixture-workpiece linking module 220. The fixture module storage library 218 may be a data storage device or other suitable memory structure.

[0047] Fixture module registration library 216 is configured to register fixture modules with system 200 by creating fixture records, and then store the fixture records in fixture module storage library 218. More specifically, in one form, fixture modules 221 to be registered with the dimensional autolinking system 200 are assigned barcode imprints 224 (224A and 224B in the figure), which are located at fixture module 222. For example, in Figure 2In this fixture module 221, there are individual fixtures 222 for receiving workpieces and a unit frame defining a working area with the fixtures 222. Here, a barcode imprint 224A is provided at the fixture 222, and a barcode imprint 224B is provided along the unit frame 226 (e.g., the object associated with the fixture). Although barcode imprints 224 are provided at both locations, one barcode imprint is sufficient. If the fixture is configured as a sub-assembly with a locator for receiving components, the barcode imprint is located at the unit frame of the fixture module 221, where the two components are assembled.

[0048] Barcode imprint 224 is a machine-readable symbol that can be scanned by a device such as a barcode scanner or computing device 202, and can be a linear, matrix barcode (e.g., a QR code) or other suitable barcode. Barcode imprint 222 includes data that associates fixture module 221 with its fixture record. For example, the data may include a unique string assigned to fixture module 221 and stored in the fixture record, a file path for retrieving the fixture record from the fixture module's storage, and / or other suitable information.

[0049] Fixture module registry 216 stores fixture records for each registered fixture module, and each fixture record provides information about the fixtures of the fixture module. For example, in one form, fixture module registry 216 has a communication interface 210 that displays a registration interface including one or more query fields for the fixture module to be registered. The query fields may request information indicating: the location of the fixture module (e.g., the manufacturing facility with the fixture); the processing unit; a unique string (i.e., a fixture identifier) ​​assigned to the fixture module; and / or other suitable information. Fixture module registry 216 extracts data from the query fields and stores the data as part of the fixture records stored in fixture module repository 218.

[0050] The fixture-workpiece linking module 220 is configured to link a registered fixture module with a workpiece mounted on a fixture module by storing data identifying the workpiece being mounted on the registered fixture in the fixture record of the registered fixture. In one form, a fixture-workpiece interface is displayed to a user via a computing device 202 and a communication interface 210. This interface includes one or more query fields that can be filled in by the user and one or more setting fields that are automatically filled in by the fixture-workpiece linking module 220. For example, query fields may include information related to: the part / job number associated with the workpiece; relevant information when the workpiece is mounted, such as the shift and / or the engineer who positioned the workpiece; and / or possible modifications to the fixture. Setting fields may include a date and timestamp, and / or information extracted from the fixture record of the object fixture, such as location, processing unit, and fixture identifier. Once data is submitted, the fixture-workpiece linking module 220 extracts information from the interface and stores it in association with the fixture record in the storage library 218, thereby linking the workpiece with the fixture module and any possible modifications to the fixture module.

[0051] In one configuration, where the fixture module's fixtures are integrated within sub-components, the fixture-workpiece interface is configured to track sub-components entering and leaving the fixture module. For example, each sub-component is associated with a unique identifier or string, which can also be provided as a fixture identifier since the sub-component with the locator is considered the fixture. Therefore, modifications to the sub-component can still be tracked as modifications to the fixture.

[0052] To access data stored in the fixture module storage 218, the data search controller 214 is configured to execute different search commands based on data provided by the external computing device 202. The search interface includes query fields associated with one or more search parameters executable by the data search controller 214. These query fields include, for example, barcode data provided by scanning barcode imprints 224, location, processing unit, and / or information indicating the part / job number associated with the workpiece being processed. Based on the information filled into the query fields, the search controller 214 constructs a search query, searches the fixture module storage 218, and outputs the results to the computing device 202. For example, if the data search controller 214 receives barcode data, it retrieves the fixture record associated with the barcode data from the fixture module storage 218 and displays information from the retrieved fixture record, such as the location of the fixture module, the processing unit with the fixture module, the fixture identifier, and data associated with one or more workpieces linked to the fixture module. In another example, if the data search controller 214 receives a part / job number associated with an object workpiece, the controller 214 outputs information related to one or more fixtures on which the object workpiece is mounted, as well as any possible modifications made to the fixtures to accommodate the object workpiece. The data search controller 214 can be configured to perform various searches to output different results based on the search query, and should not be limited to the examples provided herein.

[0053] refer to Figure 3 An example of a fixture control program 300 executed by the automatic dimension linking system 200 is provided. In one form, the system 200 initiates the program in response to receiving a communication request from the computing device 202. At 302, the system 200 displays a graphical user interface (GUI) that indicates a main menu for accessing features of the system 200. For example, Figure 4 An example GUI of the main menu 400 for the automatic dimensional linking system 210 is shown. The main menu 400 includes multiple control buttons 402 to 408, which can be operated by a user via the computing device 202 to execute different commands stored and executed by the system 200. For example, button 402, titled "Register New Fixture Module," executes a series of instructions to create and store a fixture record for the fixture module. Button 404, titled "Link Fixture and Workpiece," executes a series of instructions to update the selected fixture record using information about the workpiece mounted at the selected fixture module. Button 406, titled "Search Fixture Module Repository," executes a series of instructions to perform a search of the fixture module repository based on a search query formed by input received from the computing device 202. Button 408, titled "Exit," executes a series of instructions to stop communication with the external computing device and exit the main menu 400.

[0054] At 304, system 200 determines whether computing device 202 has selected one of buttons 402, 404, 406, and 408. If selected, system 200 determines whether the control is related to new fixture module registration at 306, fixture-workpiece linking at 308, or a search of the fixture module library at 310. If new fixture module registration is requested, system 200 continues the registration process at 312. If fixture-workpiece linking is requested, system 200 continues the workpiece registration procedure at 314. If a search operation is requested, system 200 continues the search query procedure at 316. If none of operation buttons 402, 404, and 406 are selected, system 200 determines that the exit button is selected and stops communication with the computing device at 318.

[0055] refer to Figure 5 Starting at 312, system 200 continues to a new fixture module registration procedure 500, where the system displays a GUI for the registration interface at 502. This registration interface includes one or more fields to be filled in by the user. For example, Figure 6 shows a registration interface 600, which includes query fields 604, 606, and 608 to be filled in by the user to provide information indicating the location of the fixture module, the processing unit with the fixture, and / or the fixture identifier. Interface 600 includes a registration button 610 for sending information to system 200 and a cancel button 612 for canceling the registration procedure.

[0056] At point 504, system 200 determines whether data has been received from the registration interface. If so, system 200 generates a fixture record and barcode imprint at point 506 based on the received data. The fixture record is stored by system 200 in a fixture module repository, and the barcode imprint is affixed by the operator to the fixture or to an object associated with the fixture module. If the user operates the cancel button 612, system 200 automatically cancels program 500 and returns to the start or stop of communication with the computing device in program 300.

[0057] Figure 6BAn example of a fixture record 620 is shown, which includes a fixture module section 630 providing details about a registered fixture module and a workpiece entry section 640 for tracking workpieces installed on the registered fixture modules. The workpiece entry section 640 includes fields for: the date and time the entry was created; the part / job number associated with the workpiece; the shift in which the workpiece was installed and the engineer responsible for the workpiece; and modifications to the fixture locator to align the workpiece with the fixture. The fixture record can be configured in various suitable ways to associate fixtures with workpieces and track modifications to the fixture. For example, in one form, when a sub-component is used as a fixture, the workpiece entry section is adjusted to a fixture-workpiece section and includes a column for inputting a fixture identifier for the sub-component. Thus, modifications to the sub-component are tracked using the workpiece.

[0058] refer to Figure 7 System 200 executes workpiece registration procedure 700 to associate the selected fixture module with the workpiece. At 702, system 200 displays a fixture-workpiece interface with one or more query fields populated by the user. For example, Figure 8 An example fixture-workpiece interface 800 for linking a fixture module and a workpiece is shown. The fixture-workpiece interface includes one or more setup fields and one or more query fields. In one form, the setup fields include a date and timestamp 802, and fields automatically filled by the system when a barcode is scanned, including a location field 804, a processing unit field 806, and / or a fixture identifier field 808. If the barcode imprint is not scanned, the location field 804, processing unit field 806, and fixture identifier field 808 are provided as query fields to be filled by the user. Other query fields are provided to capture the following information: information for identifying the workpiece (e.g., part / job number field 810); information for identifying when the workpiece was installed (e.g., shift field 812 and engineer field 814); and information about modifications to one or more locators along the fixture (e.g., fields 816, 818, and 820). The user sends information to the system 200 by selecting the submit button 822, or exits the operation by selecting the cancel button 824.

[0059] At 704, system 200 determines whether barcode data has been received from the computing device. For example, once the user selects button 404 for linking the fixture module and the workpiece, the user is prompted or the barcode imprint associated with the fixture module to be linked can be scanned automatically. Once scanned, computing device 202 sends the data associated with the barcode imprint to system 200. At 706, using the barcode data, system 200 obtains the fixture record associated with the barcode imprint and populates one or more fields of the fixture-workpiece interface with the data provided in the fixture record. At 707, system 200 determines whether information requested via the interface has been received. If so, system 200 proceeds to 712.

[0060] If no barcode data is received, system 200 determines whether the information requested via the interface was submitted at 708. Starting at 708, if information was submitted, system 200 identifies and retrieves fixture records for fixture modules that match one or more fields in the fixture-workpiece interface. For example, system 200 searches the fixture module repository for fixture records with data matching the same location, processing unit, and / or fixture identifier.

[0061] Once the fixture record is retrieved at 710 or information is submitted at 707, system 200 records or saves the information provided from the interface in the fixture record, and then stores the fixture record in the fixture module storage at 712. For example, in one form, system 200 stores data indicating the following: the date and time of information submission; the part / job number used to identify the workpiece mounted on the fixture; the shift and engineer at which the workpiece was installed; and modifications made to one or more locators if the fixture locator has been modified. In another example, when a sub-component acts as a fixture, system 200 stores the identification number associated with the sub-component in association with the workpiece. Thus, the fixture and workpiece are linked, and information regarding any modifications to the fixture is associated with the workpiece to further indicate that the workpiece's dimensions or design characteristics may differ from the set standards. Similar to program 500, if the user operates the cancel button, system 200 automatically cancels program 700 and executes program 300 or ceases communication with the computing device.

[0062] refer to Figure 9 In response to the selection of the "Search Fixture Module Storage" button 406, the system executes the search request procedure 900. In one form, at 902, the system displays a search interface that includes one or more query fields to be filled in by the user. For example, Figure 10An example search interface 1000 is shown, which includes a barcode request text 1004 (setting field) and multiple query fields, including: a processing unit field 1006; a location field 1008; and a part / job number field 1010. The barcode request text 1004 instructs the user to scan the barcode imprint of the object fixture or enter information in one or more query fields. Therefore, even if the user cannot access the barcode imprint, the user can still search the fixture module repository by filling in one or more query fields. The user can send a search request by selecting the search button 1012 or exit the operation by selecting the cancel button 1014.

[0063] At 904, system 200 determines whether barcode data has been received. That is, if the user scans the barcode imprint on the fixture, system 200 receives the barcode data, and then at 906, retrieves the fixture record associated with the barcode imprint and displays the information provided in the fixture record. If no barcode data has been received, system 200 determines at 908 whether search parameters have been received. In one form, system 200 may be configured to perform a search as the user fills in fields on the search interface. In another form, system 200 performs a search once the user selects the search button 1012. In either case, at 910, the system constructs a search query based on the parameters provided in the search interface. At 912, the system searches the fixture module storage library based on the query and displays the results to the computing device. For example, based on the parameters provided from the filled-in search interface, system 200 selects one or more fixture records that include at least one parameter specified by the user. For example, if the part / job number field is filled, system 200 retrieves fixture records associated with the part / job number identified in the search interface. In another example, if the location field is filled, system 200 outputs data identifying each fixture record associated with the location entered in the query field. In yet another example, if both the location field and processing unit are entered, system 200 retrieves fixture records associated with the entered location and processing unit. Similar to program 500, if the user operates the cancel button, the system automatically cancels program 900 and executes program 300 or ceases communication with the computing device.

[0064] The disclosed automated dimensional linking system automatically links selected fixture modules to a workpiece and tracks workpiece design / dimensional differences by recording modifications made to the fixture. This data is then used to further develop the fixtures and / or parts associated with the workpiece by analyzing, for example, manufacturing tolerances, workpiece quality, and / or design modifications to the fixture / workpiece. More specifically, once registered, an operator can scan a barcode imprint at the registered fixture module to retrieve the fixture module's record. The operator can then enter data regarding modifications made to the fixture and information identifying the workpiece. This information is then stored in a record and accessible to others via the automated dimensional linking system. For example, a user such as an engineer can track dimensional adjustments made during the manufacturing process of a part using one or more fixture records stored in the automated dimensional linking system.

[0065] The automatic dimension linking system can be configured in various suitable ways to perform the aforementioned operations and should not be limited to the programs and interfaces described herein. For example, in one form, the fixture record can be a work document stored in a database of fixture module repositories. Therefore, the barcode imprint may include data (such as file paths) that opens the work document upon scanning the barcode imprint and allows the user to edit and save the document. Thus, the work document operates as a fixture-workpiece interface.

[0066] The automatic dimension linking system disclosed herein can be part of a larger item assembly data management system, capable of associating data from the automatic dimension linking system with other data related to the assembled final item. For example, in one form, Figure 11 A Vehicle Assembly Data Management (VADM) system 1100 is illustrated, which stores and manages data regarding the manufacture of vehicle components / subsystems and vehicle assembly. In one example, for a given vehicle, the VAD system 1100 is configured to store: vehicle identification information, such as vehicle identification number (VIN), brand, model, and assembly date; vehicle bill of materials; performance test data for the vehicle and its in-vehicle subsystems; quality measurements of various vehicle parts (e.g., dimensional measurements, calibrations, etc.); and / or manufacturing location / supplier information for different vehicle components. The VADM system 1100 may also include development tools operable to perform various analyses on the stored data.

[0067] In one embodiment, system 1100 includes one or more servers accessible via a communication network 1104 from one or more external computing devices 1102. The computing device 1102 is a computer operable to access various information provided within system 1100. In one embodiment, VADM system 1100 includes an automatic dimension linking system 1110, a parts tracking system 1112, and product development tools 1114. The automatic dimension linking system 1110 is similar to system 200 of this disclosure.

[0068] The parts tracking system 1112 may be a server configured to store information about one or more vehicle parts during the manufacturing process, such as identification information (e.g., part / job number), manufacturing location, and / or the manufacturing cell accessed by the part. For example, vehicle parts (such as headlights, compressors, door panel assemblies) are typically assigned identification numbers and undergo various tests / measurements during manufacturing to verify that the parts meet engineering specifications. This data, along with other data such as the manufacturing location, is stored in relation to the vehicle part.

[0069] Product development tool 1114 provides various data analysis programs operable by users, such as programmers, product development engineers, and manufacturing operators. In one form, product development tool 1114 is configured as computer-executable instructions executed by a processor in a server of VADM system 1100. For example, the data analysis programs may include a series of instructions that generate a part processing timeline that outputs charts showing the part's position during its manufacturing timeline by analyzing data provided in part tracking system 1112 and dimensional autolinking system 1110. Specifically, a given part / component is identified by both systems 1110 and 1112 using the same job / part number, and therefore, product development tool 1114 can create a timeline depicting the part's processing and identifying predefined events such as modifications to the fixture on which the workpiece is mounted. The user is thus notified of workpiece dimensional / design differences and when such differences were identified.

[0070] By utilizing the VADM system to implement an automated dimensional linking system, users (such as product development engineers, manufacturing operators, or research and development professionals) can associate fixture modifications with the mounted workpiece to aid in the further development and quality control of parts / components.

[0071] The dimensional automatic linking system disclosed herein can be implemented as part of the assembly process of other items, and is not limited to vehicles. For example, the dimensional automatic linking system can be configured to track dimensional differences during the assembly of electronic devices, furniture, etc.

[0072] The description in this disclosure is exemplary in nature only, and therefore any variations that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure should fall within its scope. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0073] According to the present invention, an automatic dimensional linking system for associating a fixture with a workpiece is provided, the automatic dimensional linking system comprising: a fixture module storage library configured to store fixture records of registered fixture modules, wherein the fixture records include a fixture portion for identifying the fixture of the fixture module and a workpiece entry portion for linking the registered fixture module with an object workpiece, the workpiece entry portion including a fixture modification field for identifying modifications made to the fixture for mounting the object workpiece on the fixture; a barcode imprint located at the registered fixture module, wherein the barcode imprint is scannable by a device and configured to include data of the fixture record for identifying the registered fixture module; and a fixture-workpiece data controller communicatively coupled to an external computing device and operable to populate the workpiece entry portion of the fixture record based on information obtained from the external computing device.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a plurality of barcode imprints located at a plurality of registered fixture modules, wherein: the fixture module storage library stores a plurality of fixture records of the plurality of registered fixture modules, and one barcode imprint is associated with a fixture record.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the fixture-workpiece data controller is configured to retrieve a selected fixture record from the plurality of fixture records in response to the device scanning a barcode imprint associated with the selected fixture record.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the data of the barcode imprint indicates the file path of the fixture record within the fixture module storage library.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a data search controller that is communicatively coupled to the external controller and operable to search the fixture module repository based on one or more queries received from the external controller.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the barcode imprint is located on the clamp of the clamp module.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the barcode imprint is located on the unit frame that houses the fixture.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the information from the external computing device includes workpiece identification information for identifying the workpiece and fixture modification information for identifying modifications made to one or more positioners of the fixture, and the fixture-workpiece data controller stores the workpiece identification information and the fixture modification information in the fixture record.

[0081] According to the present invention, a vehicle assembly data management system is provided that communicates with one or more external computing devices. The vehicle assembly data management system includes: an automatic dimension linking system as described herein; and a part tracking system configured to store manufacturing information associated with multiple workpieces, wherein the manufacturing information includes at least one of: workpiece identification information; one or more manufacturing facilities associated with the workpiece; and performance test data of parts formed from the workpiece; and a product development tool operable to analyze data provided in the fixture-workpiece linking system and the part tracking system based on commands from the external computing devices.

[0082] According to the present invention, a method for linking dimensional features of a fixture to a workpiece includes: storing a plurality of fixture records of a plurality of registered fixture modules in a storage library, wherein each fixture record includes a fixture portion for identifying a fixture associated with the fixture module and a workpiece entry portion for linking the registered fixture module to a target workpiece, the workpiece entry portion including a fixture modification field for identifying modifications made to the fixture for mounting the target workpiece on the fixture; associating a plurality of barcode imprints with the plurality of fixture records, wherein each barcode imprint is configured to include data for identifying a particular fixture record from the plurality of fixture records; The controller displays a linked interface in response to the scanning of one of the plurality of barcode imprints. The linked interface has a plurality of query fields to be filled by the user via an external computing device, wherein the plurality of query fields include a workpiece identification field for obtaining information about the workpiece and a fixture modification field for obtaining information about modifications made to the fixture due to the workpiece. The controller extracts data from one or more of the filled query fields from the plurality of query fields of the interface. The controller stores the extracted data in the workpiece entry portion of the fixture record associated with the scanned barcode imprint.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized in that a fixture module is registered in the fixture module storage library as one of the plurality of registered fixture modules.

[0084] According to one embodiment, registering the fixture module further includes: generating a fixture record for the fixture module by the controller and storing the fixture record in the fixture module storage as one of the plurality of fixture records; associating a barcode imprint with the fixture record of the fixture module; and attaching the barcode imprint to at least one of the fixture or an object associated with the fixture module.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the data of the barcode imprint indicates the file path of the fixture record within the fixture module storage library.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the data from the barcode imprint indicates a unique identifier for identifying the fixture record within the fixture module storage library.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a data search controller displaying a search interface having one or more search query fields to be filled, wherein the one or more search queries are associated with data for at least one of: identifying a fixture record among the plurality of fixture records; or identifying a workpiece linked to one or more of the registered fixture modules through the fixture record; the data search controller searching the fixture module repository based on one or more filled search queries received from the external controller; and outputting the search results to the external computing device.

[0088] According to the present invention, an automatic vehicle sizing linking system is provided, the automatic vehicle sizing linking system comprising: a storage library storing a fixture record of a fixture module, the fixture record having a workpiece entry portion for tracking modifications made to the fixtures of the fixture module; a barcode scannable by a device to retrieve the fixture record of the fixture module; and a data controller operable to populate the workpiece entry portion of the fixture record based on workpiece information obtained from an external computing device.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the barcode is located on the clamp of the clamp module.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the barcode is located at the unit frame of the clamp module that houses the clamp.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a plurality of barcodes for a plurality of fixture modules, wherein: the storage library stores a plurality of fixture records for the plurality of fixture modules, wherein one barcode is associated with a fixture record.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the data controller is configured to retrieve a selected fixture record from the plurality of fixture records in response to scanning a barcode imprint associated with the selected fixture record.

Claims

1. An automated dimensional linking system for associating a fixture with a workpiece, the system comprising: A fixture module storage library is configured to store fixture records of registered fixture modules, wherein the fixture records include a fixture portion for identifying the fixture of the fixture module and a workpiece entry portion for linking the registered fixture module to an object workpiece, the workpiece entry portion including a fixture modification field for identifying modifications to one or more positioners of the fixture for mounting the object workpiece on the fixture; A barcode imprint located at the registered fixture module, wherein the barcode imprint can be scanned by a device and configured to include data of the fixture record for identifying the registered fixture module; and A fixture-workpiece data controller, communicatively coupled to an external computing device and operable to populate the workpiece entry portion of the fixture record based on information obtained from the external computing device.

2. The automatic size linking system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data of the barcode imprint indicates the file path of the fixture record in the fixture module storage library.

3. The automatic dimension linking system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the barcode imprint is located on the clamp of the clamp module.

4. The automatic dimensional linking system of claim 1, wherein the barcode imprint is located on the unit frame housing the fixture.

5. The automatic dimension linking system as described in claim 1, further comprising: Multiple barcode imprints are located at multiple registered fixture modules, wherein: The fixture module storage library stores multiple fixture records of the multiple registered fixture modules, with one barcode imprint associated with a fixture record.

6. The automatic dimension linking system of claim 5, wherein the fixture-workpiece data controller is configured to retrieve a selected fixture record from the plurality of fixture records in response to the barcode imprint associated with the selected fixture record being scanned by the device.

7. The automatic dimension linking system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information from the external computing device includes workpiece identification information for identifying the workpiece and fixture modification information for identifying modifications made to one or more positioners of the fixture, and the fixture-workpiece data controller stores the workpiece identification information and the fixture modification information in the fixture record.

8. The automatic dimension linking system of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a data search controller communicatively coupled to the fixture-workpiece data controller and operable to search the fixture module repository based on one or more queries received from the fixture-workpiece data controller.

9. A method for linking dimensional features of a fixture to a workpiece, the method comprising: A storage library stores multiple fixture records for multiple registered fixture modules, wherein each fixture record includes a fixture portion for identifying the fixture associated with the fixture module and a workpiece entry portion for linking the registered fixture module to an object workpiece. The workpiece entry portion includes a fixture modification field for identifying modifications to one or more positioners of the fixture for mounting the object workpiece on the fixture. Associate multiple barcode imprints with the multiple fixture records, wherein each barcode imprint is configured to include data for identifying a particular fixture record from the multiple fixture records; The controller displays a link interface in response to the scanning of one of the plurality of barcode imprints. The link interface has a plurality of query fields that will be filled by the user via an external computing device. The plurality of query fields include a workpiece identification field for obtaining information about the workpiece and a fixture modification field for obtaining information about modifications made to the fixture due to the workpiece. The controller extracts data from one or more populated query fields from the plurality of query fields on the interface; as well as The controller stores the extracted data in the workpiece entry portion of the fixture record associated with the scanned barcode imprint.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the barcode imprint is disposed on the clamp or an object associated with the clamp module, or on both the clamp and the object.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the data of the barcode imprint indicates the file path of the fixture record in the fixture module storage library.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the data of the barcode imprint indicates a unique identifier for identifying the fixture record in the fixture module storage library.

13. The method of any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising registering a fixture module as one of the plurality of registered fixture modules in the fixture module storage library.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the registration of the fixture module further comprises: The controller generates a fixture record for the fixture module and stores the fixture record in the fixture module's storage library as one of the plurality of fixture records; Associating the barcode imprint with the fixture record of the fixture module; and The barcode imprint is attached to at least one of the fixture or an object associated with the fixture module.

15. The method of any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising: A search interface with one or more search query fields to be populated is displayed by the data search controller, wherein the one or more search queries are associated with data for at least one of the following: identifying a fixture record among the plurality of fixture records; or identifying a workpiece linked to one or more of the registered fixture modules through the fixture record; The data search controller searches the fixture module storage library based on one or more populated search queries received from the controller; as well as The search results are output to the external computing device.

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