PROCESS VALIDATION SYSTEM FOR ERROR PREVENTION IN LOCK-AND-CLOCK OPERATIONS

Abstract

The invention relates to a process verification system aimed at preventing the occurrence of faulty connections in clamping operations applied in the automotive, white goods, defense, and metal forming industries, from the feeding of the fastener to the final verification of the connection. Specifically, the invention relates to a process verification system that prevents the occurrence of nonconformities such as missing nuts, missing connections, insufficient connection force, alignment errors, and process parameter deviations in clamping operations; this system incorporates fastener feeding, sensor-based verification, process parameter monitoring, and final image verification elements working together.

Description

1 TARIFF ERROR PREVENTION IN LOCK-AND-CLOCK OPERATIONS PROCESS VERIFICATION SYSTEM Technical Area The invention has applications in the automotive, home appliance, defense, and metal forming industries. In the applied interlocking connection operations, the connecting element faulty link in the process from its initial feeding to the final verification of the link It relates to a process verification system aimed at preventing its occurrence. The invention specifically addresses missing nuts and missing connections in interlocking connection operations. 10 issues such as inappropriate bonding force, alignment error, and process parameter deviation. preventing malfunctions from occurring within the process; connecting element feeding, Sensor-based verification, process parameter monitoring, and final image verification. It relates to a process verification system where the elements work together. State of the Art The interlocking joint used today for joining metal parts is 15. operations are widely used in automotive and home appliance production lines. This is being implemented. In these operations, ensuring connection quality and preventing errors is crucial. Preventing these connections is critically important for production safety. Process safety in clamping joint operations in known applications. mostly operator control, limited sensor infrastructures, or only post-operation 20 This is ensured through quality control checks. This approach eliminates missing links, incorrect connections, etc. fastener usage, reverse connection, alignment errors, and process parameters. This allows for discrepancies, such as deviations, to occur within the process. Feeding and positioning of fasteners in systems belonging to known technology. and because process verification mechanisms do not work in a sufficiently integrated manner, 25 Process variations can occur, resulting in quality risks. This is possible. Furthermore, in known applications, process parameters and final quality are related. Because the verification systems could not be managed together, unsuitable parts were placed in the next phase. can be transferred to the operation. Control structures used in such systems 2 It is mostly focused on error detection and preventing the formation of faulty connections. They are unable to provide an active intervention. In production lines operating at high cycle rates, operator interventions and process... Parameter changes and feed variations negatively affect process stability. This affects and increases reprocessing and scrap costs. Therefore, 5 from fastener supply to final connection in clamping operations The entire process up to verification can be controlled in an integrated manner, preventing errors. We need a process validation system where the connection can be prevented before it occurs. It is heard. In conclusion, due to the negative aspects described above and the current solutions regarding topic 10 Due to its shortcomings, an improvement is needed in the relevant technical field. It has been made. Purpose of the Invention The invention was created by drawing inspiration from existing situations and overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks. It aims to solve it. 15 The primary purpose of this invention is to improve the fastening element in interlocking connection operations. feeding, positioning, connection operation, process Monitoring parameters and verifying the connection are all done through a single system structure. The goal is to prevent the formation of erroneous connections by implementing them in an integrated manner. Another objective of the invention is to determine the presence, orientation, and position of the fastening element. Sensor-based verification before the connection operation is performed By providing this, the aim is to prevent errors caused by the use of incomplete fasteners. Another aim of the invention is to reduce pressure, force and stroke during the connection operation. by comparing critical process parameters such as distance with defined limit values 25 Continuous monitoring and automatic process shutdown in case of out-of-limit situations to provide. Another objective of the invention is a final image verification after the connection operation. By performing this operation, the non-conforming parts are identified and processed for the next operation. The aim is to prevent its transmission. 3 Another purpose of the invention is to provide applications for manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic production lines. increasing process stability by offering a modular structure that can be implemented, operator to reduce variations caused by various factors and to establish a sustainable quality control infrastructure. to create. The structural and characteristic features and all the advantages of the invention are given in Figure 5 below. And thanks to the detailed explanation written with references to these figures, it becomes clearer. This will be understood as such, and therefore the evaluation will also take these forms and detailed explanations into account. This should be done taking that into consideration. Figures that will help understand the invention. Figure 1 shows the perspective of the general structure of the process verification system that is the subject of the invention. It is appearance. Explanation of Part References A. Process Verification System 1. Connector Feeding Unit 2. Directional Unit 15 3. Positioning and Transport Unit 4. Connector Verification Unit 5. Connection Operation Unit 6. Process Monitoring Unit 7. Control and Reaction Unit 20 8. Verification Unit 9. Vibrating bowl feeder 10. Linear feed path 11. Transmission channel 12. Jaw 25 13. Laser sensor 14. Camera Detailed Description of the Invention This detailed description explains the preferred process verification system for the invention. Their structures are explained solely for the purpose of better understanding the subject. 30 4 The process verification system (A) subject to the invention; in interlocking connection operations at least one that ensures controlled feeding of the fasteners used the fastener feeding unit (1), the fed fasteners process at least one routing unit (2) that transfers to the region, connecting elements at least one positioning and transport step that brings the process point to the correct position. 5 unit (3), the presence of the connecting element before the connection operation is performed First, at least one fastener verification unit (4) that checks the clamping at least one connection operation unit (5) that performs the connection operation, connection Critical processes such as pressure, force, and stroke distance during operation At least one process monitor that tracks parameters by comparing them to defined limit values. 10 unit (6), process monitoring unit (6) and fastener verification unit (4) by evaluating the incoming signals, the process in case of out-of-limit or inappropriate situations at least one control that stops, triggers an alarm and / or removes the non-compliant part from the line. and reaction unit (7) and after the connection operation is completed the connection at least one verification unit (8) 15 that checks the suitability based on images It includes. The connector feeding unit (1) is the first element in the process flow of the system (A) and It ensures that the connecting elements are fed continuously, regularly, and in the correct direction. Connection element feeding unit (1), a vibrating element that lines up the fasteners in the correct direction. 20 bowl feeder (9) and the connecting elements coming out of the feeder in a controlled manner It includes a linear feed path (10) that enables its advancement. Linear feed path (10) The progress of the connecting elements is checked and the connection Verification of the orientation of the elements will not be done at this stage, but in a later link. The element verification is performed by the unit (4). Connector The supply unit (1) attaches the connecting elements one by one and in a controlled manner to the next 25 It is configured to transfer data to the unit. The guiding unit (2) connects to the connection element supply unit (1). a transfer channel that transfers the elements to the process area in a controlled manner (11) includes. The guiding unit (2) is connected to the supply point of the connector. By guiding the element between the process points, it ensures that the element is not damaged and 30 It ensures that it progresses in the correct direction. The transmission channel (11) ensures that the connecting element the orientation acquired during feeding is maintained until it reaches the processing point It is structured in a way that will provide this. Positioning and transport unit (3), connection from the steering unit (2) Brings the element into the correct position to the process point via a jaw (12) and It holds the connection in the required position for the operation. Positioning and transport unit (3), by ensuring that the connecting element is aligned with the connection operation unit (5) It helps prevent alignment errors. 5 The connector verification unit (4) is checked before the connection operation is performed. The presence of the fastener at the process point is detected by means of a laser sensor (13). It checks. The connection element verification unit (4) is suitable at the process point. verifying whether the fastener is present and identifying the missing fastener. It enables the detection of errors resulting from usage before the operation. 10 If the verification process is successful, the connection operation will begin. can be started; if it results in a negative outcome, the control and reaction unit (7) It intervenes and prevents the process from progressing. Connection operation unit (5), from the connection element verification unit (4) It activates upon receiving a positive confirmation signal and completes the docked connection process. 15 It is a hydropneumatic driven press unit that performs the operation. Connection operation unit (5), The fastener creates a permanent connection by pressing it onto the workpiece, and this process Parameters such as pressure, force, and stroke distance generated during the process are used for process monitoring. It is monitored by unit (6). The pressing force of the connection operation unit (5) and Stroke parameters can be programmed according to the type of fastener used. It is structured. The process monitoring unit (6) monitors the pressure, force and that occur during the connection operation. It monitors critical process parameters such as stroke distance in real time and It evaluates the force-stroke curve generated during the operation. The basis for the evaluation is... The force-stroke curve obtained and the defined limit values ​​are based on the type of fastener used. It varies depending on the element and is structured in a way that allows it to be programmed accordingly. The process monitoring unit (6) displays the measured parameters and the force-stroke curve used. Continuously checking whether the connection type remains within the defined values. It evaluates and transmits the results it obtains to the control and reaction unit (7). In this way Process deviations such as insufficient connection force or missing connections in operation 30 It can be detected during this process. 6 Control and reaction unit (7), from the connector verification unit (4), process from the monitoring unit (6), process monitoring unit (6) and verification unit (8) It is a PLC-based central control element that evaluates incoming signals. Control and reaction unit (7) detects any non-conformity or out-of-limit situation in any unit If this happens, it automatically stops the process, triggers an alarm, and alerts operator 5. They provide information and / or ensure the non-compliant part is removed from the production line. Inspection and reaction unit (7) also the parameter in which process parameters are defined by restricting access to unauthorized processes with password protection based on authorization level. This prevents parameter changes and ensures the preservation of the standard process structure. Thanks to the structure, the system (a) not only detects errors but also identifies the faulty connection. It carries out an active intervention to prevent its occurrence. The verification unit (8) is activated after the connection operation is completed. The suitability of the established connection is image-based via a camera (14) It checks the dimensionality. The verification unit (8) checks its dimensional suitability. It evaluates; if any non-conformity is detected, it controls and reacts to this information. 15 by transmitting it to the unit (7) preventing the part from being transferred to the next operation Thus, the connector verification unit (4) before operation, The verification unit (8) is a two-stage verification, which takes place after the operation. its structure is created. System (A) components work together in an integrated manner, connecting element 20 feeding, guidance, positioning, preoperative verification, performing the connection operation, monitoring process parameters and post-operation final verification processes within a single process safety framework. This integrated structure prevents faulty connection formation and improper connection. The part's movement within the operation and deviations from process parameters are prevented. 25 Process stability is made sustainable. System (A); manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic. It is designed with a modular structure that can be applied to automated production lines. The process verification system (A) that is the subject of the invention is used in the automotive, white goods, defense industries and in interlocking joint operations applied in metal forming industries It can be used to improve process safety. 30 System (A) controlled feeding of fasteners on the production line, operation pre-verification, connection operation, process 7 monitoring of parameters and final post-operative verification This improves the quality of the connection and allows faulty parts to be carried over to the next operation. It makes it possible to prevent its transfer. Thanks to System (A), missing connections, incorrect connection element usage, reversed connections, Process stability is improved by reducing alignment problems and process-related quality defects. 5 Increased efficiency; rework, scrap, and customer quality risks are reduced. System (A) is modular for manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic production systems. It can be structured in a way that can be implemented. This allows for different production scales and... a sustainable quality assurance infrastructure in lines with levels of automation can be created. 10 20

Claims

8 REQUESTS 1. To prevent faulty connections in interlocking connection operations. Process verification system (A) and its feature is; • fasteners used in interlocking connection operations at least one connecting element that ensures controlled feeding 5 feeding unit (1), • at least one that transfers the fed connectors towards the process area direction unit (2), • minimum of bringing the fasteners to the correct position at the process point a positioning and transport unit (3), 10 • the presence of the connecting element before the connection operation is performed first check at least one fastener verification unit (4), • at least one connection operation that performs the interlocking connection process unit (5), • Critical 15 factors such as pressure, force, and stroke distance during the connection operation by comparing process parameters with defined limit values a small process monitoring unit (6), • process monitoring unit (6) and connector verification by evaluating the signals from the unit (4) or out of limit or inappropriate in these situations the process is stopped, an alarm is triggered and / or the non-compliant part is detected 20 at least one control and reaction unit that takes the line off (7), • Checking the suitability of the connection after the connection operation is complete. at least one verification unit that controls based on the image (8) It includes.

2. Process verification system (A) according to claim 1, its feature is; connecting element 25 at least one of the supply unit (1) that aligns the connecting elements in the correct direction. It includes a vibrating bowl feeder (9).

3. Process verification system (A) according to claim 1, its characteristic is; connecting element 30 of the connection elements coming out of the feeder unit (1) It contains at least one linear feed path (10) that enables it to progress in this way. 9 4. According to claim 1, the process verification system is (A), and its characteristic is; routing. the orientation acquired by the connecting element during feeding of the unit (2) process It contains at least one transmission channel (11) that protects it until it reaches its destination.

5. Process verification system (A) according to claim 1, its feature is; positioning and 5 at least one of the conveying units (3) that carries the connecting element to the process point. It contains the jaw (12).

6. Process verification system (A) according to claim 1, its characteristic is; connecting element 10 verification unit (4) confirms the presence of the connecting element at the process point It contains at least one laser sensor (13) that detects.

7. Process verification system (A) according to claim 1, its feature is; connection operation unit (5) with hydropneumatic drive which performs the clamping connection operation. It is a press unit. 15 8. Process verification system (A) according to claim 1, its characteristic is; control and reaction. The unit (7) is a PLC-based controller.

9. Process verification system (A) according to claim 1, its characteristic is; verification unit 20 (8), at least image-based control of the dimensionality of the connection. It includes a camera (14). 30

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