Method and apparatus for fixturing a panel
US7900898B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 12, 2007 |
| Grant date | Mar 8, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 12, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53961
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fixturing apparatus for locating and supporting a panel, such as an automotive body panel is provided. The fixturing apparatus includes a support structure having at least three generally spherically shaped contactors. The panel includes at least three extending channels sufficiently configured to receive a respective one of the at least three generally spherically shaped contactors to locate and support the panel. At least one clamping arm is operable to selectively retain one of the at least three extending channels with respect to the respective one of the at least three generally spherically shaped contactors. A method of fixturing a panel employing the above described fixturing apparatus is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.