Telescoping Smart-Arm: Torque Location Sensor

KolverUSA Tech Articles and News

Telescoping Smart-Arm: Torque Location Sensor

Posted By: Chelsea Conrad on Mar 18, 2010

The Torque Location Sensor, TLS, is a low cost solution for controlling a screwdriver based on its X-Y location. Power is only activated to the tool when it is in a pre-programmed location.

KolverUSA has added another product to their line. The TLS arm is an “intelligent” system that error-proofs assembly ensuring that every screw is in the correct location at the right torque. Assembly sequences and X-Y coordinates are easily programmed with user interface screens through the keypad from the intuitive menu. Torque programs are automatically selected and enabled from the screwdriver controller based on the TLS Arm locations and current sequence step. This telescoping arm provides the operator full flexibility on the assembly line. Crafted with lightweight durable carbon fiber the arm collapses like a telescope. The easy-to-use arm requires little space and does not disrupt the flow of production. No PC is required for this unit.

A fixture to hold your work in the same place every time is highly recommended. The TLS Arm consists of a torque reaction arm with an encoder mounted at the pivot point and with a linear metering resistor. The encoder records the angles and the linear resistor records the distance. The TLS Control Box converts the angle counts of the encoder and the distance detected by the resistor to the precise X-Y position of the screwdriver. X-Y accuracy can be set by the operator according to each application.

This unit consists of:
-A small control box
-Telescoping torque arm with two encoders

The screwdriver control unit is easily connected to the Kolver TLS via a wiring block on the back of the unit. Any electric screwdriver with remote start/stop capability can be connected and controlled by the Kolver TLS controller. The system is programmed by moving the screwdriver to the desired location and pushing the OK button. Common features of the TLS arm include recording the number of pieces, number of screws per piece, sequence of screws, and the position of the screws, such as their length and angle.

Feel free to visit our website for a full demonstration of the Torque Location Sensor Arm. Please contact your local representative or KolverUSA for any additional information.