Flexible automotive assembly workstation and method
US6564440B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53543
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for assembling multiple automotive body styles on a single assembly line. The apparatus includes a workstation with multiple geometry fixtures, at least one geometry fixture for each automotive body style to be processed at the work station. One geometry fixture is at a ready position of the work station to support an automotive component during a processing operation. The geometry fixtures can be exchanged at the ready position so that a production rate of the assembly line can be maintained. The apparatus also includes a lowerator for transferring an automotive component from an overhead transport system to the geometry fixture at the ready position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.