Wireless freedom had been a goal in production for a long time. Thanks to the introduction of high-performance cordless tools instead of cable-connected tools, the vision of flexibility and freedom of movement for workers on production lines has now been realized. However, that can be both a blessing and a curse.
Vehicle batteries for e-mobility (EV batteries) are highly complex units. Live components and the large number of interlocking activities involved in the assembly of a battery call for strict discipline in following routines. However, if workers can carry out assembly operations almost anywhere with virtually no monitoring, the assembly of EV batteries poses considerable risks.
No risks?
The use of special, insulated assembly equipment avoids personal safety risks to assembly personnel, protecting them against the hazard of an electric shock. However, this does not make the tightening process “safe” in terms of product quality. This aim can only be achieved by industrial tool localization.
Better safe than sorry!
Industrial Localization SpotPoint 2.0 (ILS) has proven to be an especially effective solution in practice for EV battery assembly work. It consists of only two main modules and is equally well-suited for stationary and flowing production. This type of tool localization aims to ensure that all tightening operations are carried out with the nutrunner in the right position in order to reliably prevent potential errors. A passive tool tag is attached to the nutrunner. The reflecting pattern on the tag is used as a target for a sensor unit. The sensor unit “keeps an eye” on the tool and software running in the background continuously calculates the position of the assembly tool by triangulation with an accuracy of a few millimeters. The tool can only be operated in the correct position. Outside the defined area, it is locked. This approach consistently prevents tightening errors.
Passive tool tags on the tool as targets for sensors allow high-precision tool localization and ensure positioning at the correct tightening point.
Smart connected assembly
As all battery assembly tools from Atlas Copco’s smart eco-system are “localization-capable” and compatible with ILS, users benefit from the highest quality levels at tightening points and throughout the entire process.
Thanks to networking, the tools and ILS together form a single system offering crucial benefits:
- Tightening operations are always carried out in the right position, with the right tightening torque and in the required order.
- All relevant tightening data are recorded, communicated and documented.
- Assembly workers are guided through the process step-by-step by a worker guidance system.