Title: In-process detection of fastener grip length using embedded mobile wireless sensor network-based pull-type tools

Authors: Reghu Anguswamy, Can Saygin, Jagannathan Sarangapani

Addresses: Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri 65401, USA. ' Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78258, USA. ' Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri 65401, USA

Abstract: A diagnostics and root-cause analysis scheme for real-time monitoring of process quality of pull-type fastening operations is presented. The proposed approach encompasses: integrating a strain gage, an LVDT, a pressure sensor, and a mote on a pull-type pneumatic tool; monitoring process parameters coming from embedded sensors communicated wirelessly and generating process signatures in real-time; detecting anomalies in real-time in the process signatures for quality problems related to the grip length deviation. A feature extraction-based methodology is employed to make decisions for grip length deviations in the form of normal grip, over grip, and under grip.

Keywords: automatic inspection; fasteners; automation; communication systems; wireless sensor networks; WSNs; mobile networks; wireless networks; hand-held fastening tools; fastener grip length; real-time monitoring; process quality; pull-type fastening; diagnostics; root-cause analysis; embedded sensors; feature extraction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMR.2009.024535

International Journal of Manufacturing Research, 2009 Vol.4 No.2, pp.154 - 170

Published online: 09 Apr 2009 *

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