Automated assembly of torque converters to transmissions
US5718043A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 27, 1994 |
| Grant date | Feb 17, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 27, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53061
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method to automatically align internal splines (20) of a torque converter (16) to mating external splines (18) of a transmission subassembly (14) during the assembly of the torque converter (16) to the transmission subassembly (14). The apparatus includes a robotic end effector assembly (26) coupled to an arm (22) of a robot (24). The end effector assembly (26) includes a counterbalance mechanism, such as spring assemblies (62) and a position sensor (64) that provide for a reduced effective weight of the torque converter (10) to allow the splines to align and detect if the splines are not properly aligned. Upon sensing non-engagement, robot (24) lifts, rotates and lowers the torque converter (16) until the position sensor (64) detects alignment of the mating splines.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.