Worksmart Systems has developed a series of cabinets, which assist in the control of tools, fixtures and gages in an assembly cell. By controlling the inventory and placement and location of these items, the potential for foreign object damage is eliminated. The FOD Cabinet insures that each technician is responsible for their station and its contents. Some additional benefits include standardization of work methods, equipment loss control, increased productivity, minimized look and reach times and improved quality control. The FOD Cabinet design is customized to each stations operation and has a roll up door and shelves that are adjustable for angle and height.  Barn type doors are also available.

The following is a brief operational overview:

The tool control cabinet consists of shelves with foam shadow boxes made to fit each tool stored in the cabinet. The pockets in the shadow boxes each contain a photoelectric sensor that detects the presence of a tool in the pocket. These sensors are connected to a PLC that controls a three-color andon signal tower. The PLC is also connected to a keypad and a locking device for the cabinet door.

At the start of a shift, the cabinet door would be locked with the signal tower being lit up as green. The operator would then enter the unlock pin code into the keypad and door would become unlocked. Once the door was opened, the signal tower would turn to orange. At the end of the shift, the operator would close the door. If all the tools were detected in the cabinet at this time, the door would lock and the signal tower would turn green. If any tool s are missing when the door is closed, the signal tower will turn red.  Also, if the door is not locked, the signal light remains red. Once the operator placed the missing tools into the FOD Cabinet, the signal tower would turn orange and the door could be closed and locked again. The system has redundancy with a battery back up for the PLC and a manual keyed entry option for managers.

If any tools are missing when the door is closed, the signal tower will turn red. Also, if the door is not locked, the signal light remains red. Once the operator placed the missing tools into the FOD Cabinet, the signal tower would turn orange and the door could be closed and locked again.The system has redundancy with a battery back up for the PLC and a manual keyed entry option for managers.

As each application is custom, for further information, please contact us