Modular blank mold assembly and / or inspection fixture assembly

Abstract

A modular blank mold assembly and / or inspection fixture assembly, the modular blank mold assembly and / or inspection fixture assembly comprising a plurality of plastic molding blocks disposed in releasable interlocking relationship with each other to form a modular plastic frame. Each of the plurality of plastic molded blocks includes at least one male connector disposed on a first side, and at least one female connector disposed on a second side disposed opposite the first side. The at least one male connector and the at least one female connector have complementary shapes for allowing the plurality of plastic molded blocks to be quickly and easily interconnected with each other to form a modular plastic frame. At least one working component is interconnected to the modular plastic frame to complete the production of the blank mold assembly or inspection fixing assembly.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This PCT international patent application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 419,746, filed on October 27, 2022, entitled “Modular Blank Die And / Or Checking Fixture Assembly,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Background Art Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the manufacture of vehicle parts. More particularly, the present invention relates to a blank die assembly and / or an inspection fixture assembly for use during the manufacture of vehicle parts.

[0004] Related technologies

[0005] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0006] The method of manufacturing vehicle parts is traditionally completed by placing a single blank between an upper blank mold assembly and a lower blank mold assembly to form a corresponding single vehicle part. After the vehicle part is formed, it is usually placed in an inspection fixture assembly as a quality assurance step to confirm that the formed vehicle part meets the shape and contour requirements. As illustrated in Figure 1, the blank mold assembly of the prior art is mainly composed of cast steel components as heavy structures (e.g., 15,000 pounds to 20,000 pounds), which require a production lead time of 5 to 10 weeks depending on the complexity. Although not explicitly illustrated, the inspection fixture assembly of the prior art is also a cast steel component with the same product defects. The lengthy production process includes the need to develop a customized foam model, a steel casting stage, and subsequent processing steps for the original casting material to obtain the resulting cast steel blank mold assembly or inspection fixture assembly, all of which have the resulting costs and increase the cycle time of the production process. In many cases, the production process may also require weldments, screws and pins, thereby further increasing the cost of the overall design. These heavy structures then need to be shipped to the manufacturing facility, adding freight costs to the overall cost of the blank mold assembly and / or the check fixture assembly. Furthermore, each blank mold assembly or check fixture assembly is uniquely designed for manufacturing a specific vehicle part and therefore must be discarded or recycled after the vehicle project associated with the vehicle part is canceled.

[0007] Therefore, it is always desirable to develop a blank mold assembly and / or inspection fixture assembly that reduces the overall product cost and lengthy production lead times of the associated assemblies. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the present invention generally relates to a modular blank mold assembly and / or a modular inspection and fixing assembly, each of which includes a plurality of plastic molded blocks, which are arranged in a releasable interlocking relationship with each other to form a modular plastic frame. Each of the plurality of plastic molded blocks includes at least one male connector disposed on a first side portion, and at least one female connector disposed on a second side portion opposite to the first side portion. The male connector and the female connector have complementary shapes to allow the plurality of plastic molded blocks to be quickly and easily interconnected with each other to jointly construct a modular plastic frame. At least one working component is interconnected to the modular plastic frame to complete the production of the modular blank mold assembly and the inspection and fixing assembly. As an example, in the case of a modular blank mold assembly, at least one working component may include a lifting lug, a clamping groove, a steel cutting section, a mold heel block, a guide pin block, an anti-slip block (wear block), a nitrogen block (nitroblock), a lifting table, etc. Alternatively, in the case of an inspection fixture assembly, the at least one working component may illustratively include a target plate, a stanchion, a riser, a feeler gauge retaining clip, a swing template, a locking pin, a tool ball retainer, a trim inspection aid, an information plate, a reference pin with a retaining block, a forklift fork slot, a feeler gauge inspection holding unit, a tool ball cover, and / or a sliding inspection track. In either arrangement, each working component includes at least one working connector shaped to be complementary to one of a male connector or a female connector to secure the working component to the modular plastic frame and complete the production of the modular blank mold assembly and the inspection fixture assembly.

[0009] The construction of a modular mold frame assembly and / or an inspection and fixation assembly that utilizes a plurality of plastic molded blocks to form a modular plastic frame eliminates the need for cast steel (and the resulting cost and weight) from prior art designs. In addition, the production of modular mold frame assemblies and / or inspection and fixation assemblies by a plurality of plastic blocks that can be molded and stored on a shelf for use according to the needs of assembling modular mold frame assemblies and / or inspection and fixation assemblies eliminates the need for the longer cycle time and foam templates and processing stages required when producing prior art designs. In addition, due to the significant weight difference between plastic and steel, freight costs are reduced in this design. In summary, modular mold frame assemblies and / or inspection and fixation assemblies provide an alternative to prior art designs of cast steel, which provides reduced costs and production delivery times and increased flexibility.

[0010] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The inventive concepts associated with the present disclosure will be more easily understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG1 illustrates a prior art steel casting configuration for a lower blank mold assembly;

[0013] Figure 2 A modular lower blank mold assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention is illustrated and includes a plurality of plastic molding blocks releasably interconnected with one another to build and form a modular plastic frame, and a plurality of working components interconnected with the modular plastic frame;

[0014] Figure 3 A modular upper blank die assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention is illustrated;

[0015] Figure 4 is a top perspective view of an exemplary first plastic molded block of a plurality of plastic molded blocks and illustrating a plurality of male connectors disposed on and extending from a first side of the plastic molded block;

[0016] Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary first plastic molded block of a plurality of plastic molded blocks and illustrating a plurality of female connectors on an opposite second side of the plastic molded block;

[0017] Figure 6 is a top perspective view illustrating an exemplary second plastic molding block among a plurality of plastic molding blocks;

[0018] Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary second plastic molding block of the plurality of plastic molding blocks;

[0019] Figure 8 is a top perspective view illustrating an exemplary third plastic molding block among the plurality of plastic molding blocks;

[0020] Fig. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a third plastic molded block among the plurality of plastic molded blocks;

[0021] Fig.10 is a top perspective view of an exemplary fourth plastic molding block of the plurality of plastic molding blocks;

[0022] Fig.11 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary fourth plastic molding block of the plurality of plastic molding blocks;

[0023] Fig.12 is a top perspective view of a base layer of a modular plastic frame and illustrates a plurality of working components for a lower blank mold assembly, the plurality of working components including a plurality of lifting lugs, clamping slots, and connectors each interconnected with the base layer;

[0024] Fig.13A It is a bottom-up perspective view of the base layer of the modular plastic frame;

[0025] Fig. 13B yes Fig.13A an exploded bottom perspective view of a portion of the , illustrating the lifting lugs, the clamping slots and the working connector on the connecting member;

[0026] Fig.14 is a perspective view of a modular plastic frame and additionally illustrates working components for a lower blank mold assembly including a steel cutting section and a mold heel block connected to the modular plastic frame;

[0027] Fig.15 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a modular plastic frame more clearly illustrating lifting lugs connected to plastic molded blocks in a base layer of the modular plastic frame;

[0028] Fig.16 is an alternative enlarged perspective view of a portion of a modular plastic frame, more clearly illustrating the lifting lugs and clamping slots connected to the base layer of the modular plastic frame;

[0029] Fig.17 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a base layer of a modular plastic frame, which more clearly illustrates that the connectors each have a recess for use in securing a clamping slot to the base layer;

[0030] Fig.18A is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a modular plastic frame illustrating the working components of a lower mold assembly, which working components additionally include building blocks, shim blocks, and steel cutting sections connected to the modular plastic frame;

[0031] Fig.18B is a bottom perspective view of a steel cut section illustrating a working connector;

[0032] Fig.19A is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a modular plastic frame for a lower mold assembly illustrating working components that additionally include a mold heel block connected to modular plastic blocks of the modular plastic frame;

[0033] Fig.19B is a perspective view illustrating a bottom portion of a mold heel block having a working connector;

[0034] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a top layer of a modular plastic frame for a lower blank mold assembly illustrating working components that additionally include an anti-slip member connected to the top layer of the modular plastic frame;

[0035] Fig.21 is a perspective view of a lifting table as an additional working component for connecting with the top layer of the modular plastic frame;

[0036] Fig. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the modular plastic frame of the upper mold assembly to more clearly illustrate the guide pin block and heel block of the working parts;

[0037] Fig.23 is a perspective view of an inspection fixture assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and comprising a plurality of plastic molded blocks releasably interconnected to each other to construct and form a modular plastic frame supported on a cart, and a plurality of working components interconnected with the modular plastic frame;

[0038] Fig.24 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a modular plastic frame for inspecting a fixture assembly illustrating working components including a target plate, a post, and a feeler gauge retaining clip interconnected with a base layer of the modular plastic frame;

[0039] Fig.25 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a modular plastic frame for inspecting a fixture assembly, illustrating working components that additionally include a swing template and a locking pin interconnected with the modular plastic frame;

[0040] Fig.26 is an enlarged perspective view from above of a portion of a modular plastic frame for inspecting a fixture assembly illustrating working components that additionally include a tool ball holder and an information plate interconnected with a base layer;

[0041] Fig. 27 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a modular plastic frame for an inspection fixture assembly illustrating working components that additionally include a trim inspection aid interconnected with a top layer; and

[0042] Fig.28 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the top layer of the modular plastic frame, more clearly illustrating the feeler gauge retaining clip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. In general, the present embodiment relates to a modular blank mold assembly 10 and an inspection and fixing assembly 11. However, only example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and the scope will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Many specific details such as examples of specific components, devices and methods are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be adopted, that the example embodiments can be implemented in many different forms, and that none of them should be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In particular, although the modular blank mold assembly 10 and / or the inspection and fixing assembly 11 will be described in conjunction with the manufacture of vehicle parts, it should be understood that these components may also be used to form non-vehicle parts without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0044] Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figures 2 to 3 as well as Figure 12 to Figure 14 The modular mold frame assembly 10 is generally illustrated in FIG. Figures 2 to 3 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the modular mold frame assembly 10 includes a modular lower mold assembly 12 ( Figure 2 ) and the modular upper mold frame assembly 14 ( Figure 3 ), the modular lower mold assembly 12 and the modular upper mold frame assembly 14 are each constructed according to the following principles. Figure 23 to Figure 28 As illustrated in , the principles of modular design disclosed herein may also be applied to modular inspection fixture assemblies 11 .

[0045] like Figures 2 to 3 , Fig.12 , Fig.14 , Fig. 20 , Figure 23 to Figure 25 as well as Fig. 27 As best shown in FIG. 1 , each of the modular lower blank mold frame assembly 12 and the modular upper blank mold frame assembly 14 and the inspection fixture assembly 11 is constructed from and includes a plurality of plastic mold blocks 16 that are disposed in a releasable interlocking relationship with one another to form a modular plastic frame 18. Figures 4 to 11As best illustrated in the drawings, each of the plurality of plastic molded portions 16', 16", 16"', 16"" has a different length, height and width (wherein the lengths, heights and widths shown in the drawings are exemplary and not limiting) to provide flexibility in constructing a modular plastic frame 18 that is customized to the needs of the upper and lower blank mold frame assemblies 12, 14 and / or the inspection fixture assembly 11 of the modular blank mold assembly 10. In other words, each of the plurality of plastic molded portions 16', 16", 16"', 16"" is a pre-molded building block that can be stored / reserved on a shelf and then quickly assembled to form the modular plastic frame 18. The use of pre-molded plastic portions 16 for the modular blank mold frame assembly 10 eliminates the need for cast steel components designed according to the prior art and the extended lead time for producing the cast steel components. Furthermore, because the plastic portions can be molded to precise dimensions, the need for machining of the modular plastic frame 18 after molding (as required in prior art cast steel designs) is eliminated.

[0046] like Figures 4 to 11 As further illustrated in FIG. 1 , each of the plurality of plastic molded parts 16 includes at least one male connector 20 disposed on and extending from a first side (e.g., an upper side) 21, and at least one female connector 22 disposed on a second side (e.g., a lower side) 23 disposed opposite to the first side 21. The male connector 20 and the female connector 22 have complementary cross-sectional shapes for allowing the plurality of plastic molded parts to be quickly and easily interconnected with each other to construct a modular plastic frame 18. In a preferred arrangement, the male connector 20 and the female connector 22 are complementarily shaped to each have a circular cross-sectional shape. However, other devices and complementary shapes, such as squares, rectangles, triangles, etc., for establishing a releasable connection between the plurality of plastic molded parts 16 may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Once the plurality of plastic molded parts 16 are connected (e.g., snapped) together in a releasable manner, the plastic molded parts 16 may be glued in place to eliminate the need for screws and pins in the present design.

[0047] like Figures 12 to 22 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the modular blank mold assembly 10 includes a plurality of mold assembly working components 30, 34, 36, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 54, 56, 60 that are preferably releasably interconnected to the modular plastic frame 18 to complete the production of the upper blank mold assembly 12 and / or the lower blank mold assembly 14. Similarly, as Figure 23 to Figure 28As shown in the figure, the inspection and fixing assembly 11 includes a plurality of inspection and fixing working parts 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, which are preferably interconnected to the modular plastic frame 18 in a releasable manner to complete the production of the inspection and fixing assembly 11. Each mold assembly working part 30, 34, 36, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 54, 56, 60 and each inspection and fixing working part 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86 includes a working connector 32, which is shaped to be complementary to one of the male connectors 20 or the female connectors 22 on the plurality of plastic molded parts 16. For example, such as Fig.12 , Fig.14 , Fig. 20 , Fig.24 , Fig. 27 As shown in FIG, if multiple plastic molded parts 16 are releasably interconnected and stacked so that the male connector 20 faces upward in the resulting modular plastic frame 18, the working connector 32 on the working part will have a complementary female shape to establish the interconnection. (See FIG. Fig. 13B , Fig.18B and Fig.19B ). However, this complementary arrangement of the working connectors 32 may be reversed if the female connector 22 is facing upwardly over the plurality of interconnected plastic molded portions 16 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] As will be understood from the following more detailed disclosure, the interconnection between the working parts and the modular plastic frame 18 allows each of the lower mold assembly 12, the upper mold assembly 14 and / or the inspection fixture assembly 11 to be easily and quickly constructed and customized according to the specific needs of the vehicle part to be manufactured and tested. The modular blank mold assembly 10 and / or the inspection fixture assembly 11 can even begin to be assembled after the production tool is stabilized. In addition, since each of the working parts can be stored and stored on the shelf similar to the plurality of plastic molded parts 16, the lead time for producing the modular blank mold assembly 10 and the inspection fixture assembly 11 will be further reduced. In addition, since plastic parts are mainly used to produce the modular blank mold assembly 10 and the inspection fixture assembly 11, the total weight can be reduced relative to the prior art design. For example, in an embodiment, the modular blank mold assembly 10 can weigh about 3,000 pounds, compared to the weight of 15,000 pounds to 20,000 pounds of the prior art cast steel design, because the modular blank mold assembly 10 is produced by plastic instead of steel. The use of plastic not only provides reduced assembly costs (due to the price of plastic being less expensive than steel), but also further reduces freight costs if the modular blank mold assembly 10 and / or the inspection fixture assembly 11 need to be shipped to a manufacturing facility (due to the weight difference between steel and plastic).

[0049] like Figures 2 to 3 , Fig.14 , Fig.23 as well as Fig. 27 As best shown in FIG. 1 , a modular plastic frame 18 composed of a plurality of releasably connected and stacked plastic molded portions 16 extends from a base layer 24 to a top layer 26 and includes a plurality of intermediate layers 28 disposed in a sandwich relationship between the base layer 24 and the top layer 26, all of which are formed from a plurality of plastic molded blocks 16. A plurality of mold assembly working parts 30, 34, 36, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 54, 56, 60 and a plurality of inspection fixture working parts 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86 are interconnected to the modular plastic frame 18, or to the base layer 24, the top layer 26, or other intermediate layers 28 disposed in a sandwich relationship between the base layer 24 and the top layer 26.

[0050] like Figures 12 to 16As illustrated in , the plurality of working components 30, 34, 36, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 54, 56, 60 for the modular mold assembly 10 may include a plurality of lifting lugs 30 interconnected with the base layer 24. The lifting lugs in the prior art cast iron construction are integrally formed with the mold frame assembly. However, the lifting lugs 30 are designed to be specific and unique to the customer's standards. Thus, the ability to simply interconnect the lifting lugs 30 to the base layer 24 (or any layer of the modular plastic frame 18 for that matter) allows the modular blank mold assembly 10 to be easily customized to the specific needs of the vehicle part with minimal (or even no) changes to the production process (as would be required in the case of the prior art cast iron construction). As Fig. 13B and Fig.15 As further illustrated in FIG. 1 , the lifting lug 30 includes a working connector 32 that is female shaped to complement the male shape of the male connector 20 on the plurality of plastic molded portions 16 forming the base layer 24 for allowing the lifting lug 30 to be releasably connected to the modular plastic frame 30 .

[0051] like Figures 12 to 13A as well as Fig.16 As illustrated in , the plurality of working components 30, 34, 36, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 54, 56, 60 for the modular mold assembly 10 may also include a plurality of clamping slot members 34 interconnected with the base layer 24. The clamping slots in the prior art cast iron construction are also integrally formed with the mold frame assembly. However, the placement of the clamping slots as well as the slot thickness and slot depth are designed to be specific and unique to the customer's standards. Therefore, the ability to simply interconnect the clamping slot members 34 having slots 35 pre-designed according to these specific customer requirements to the base layer 24 (or any layer of the modular plastic frame 18 for that matter) of the modular plastic frame 18 again allows the modular mold frame assembly 10 to be easily customized according to the specific needs of the customer with minimal (or even no) changes to the production process (as would be required in the case of the prior art cast iron construction). As Figure 16 to Figure 17 As best illustrated in the figures, the plurality of working parts 30, 34, 36, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 54, 56, 60 for the modular mold assembly 10 may include connectors 36 disposed on adjacent sides of each clamping slot member 34 and having recesses 38 for receiving tongue portions (not explicitly shown) of adjacent clamping slot members 34 to help releasably secure the plurality of clamping slot members 34 to the base layer 24.

[0052] like Fig.14 and Fig.18AAs best shown in FIG. 1 , the plurality of working components 30, 34, 36, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 54, 56, 60 for the modular mold assembly 10 may also include a building block 40, a shim block 42, and a steel cutting section 44 stacked in sequence with one another. The building block 40 is releasably secured to one of the layers of the modular plastic frame 18, and the shim block 42 is then mounted to the building block 40, such as by fastening with screws and pins. The steel cutting section 44 is then mounted on the shim block 42 to fasten the cutting tool to the modular plastic block 18 for use in forming a vehicle part using the modular mold frame assembly 10. As shown in FIG. 1 , the building block 40 is releasably secured to one of the layers of the modular plastic frame 18, and the shim block 42 is then mounted to the building block 40, such as by fastening with screws and pins. The steel cutting section 44 is then mounted on the shim block 42 to fasten the cutting tool to the modular plastic block 18 for use in forming a vehicle part using the modular mold frame assembly 10. Figure 3 , the plurality of working components for the upper mold assembly 14 may additionally include a steel trim insert 43 and a sub-plate 45 connected to the top layer 26 of the modular plastic frame 18 for the upper mold assembly 14. In this case, the sub-plate 45 is interconnected to the modular plastic frame 18 and the steel trim insert 43 is connected to the sub-plate 45.

[0053] like Figure 2 and Fig.19A As best shown in FIG. 1 , the plurality of working components 30, 34, 36, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 54, 56, 60 for the modular mold assembly 10 may also include a mold heel block 46 that is releasably secured to one of the layers of the modular plastic frame 18. Fig.19A As best shown in FIG. 4 , the mold heel block 46 includes a ring 48 and a wear plate 50 as steel components. However, unlike the prior art mold heel block construction, the body 52 of the mold heel block 46 is constructed of plastic rather than steel. In addition, the mold heel block in the prior art cast steel construction must be integrally formed with the mold frame assembly. Thus, for example, Fig.19B The ability of the working connector 32 shown in FIG. 4 to releasably interconnect the mold heel block 46 to the modular mold frame assembly 10 provides for easier and faster production of the modular mold frame assembly 10 .

[0054] like Figure 2 and Fig. 20As best illustrated in FIG. 1 , the plurality of working components 30, 34, 36, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 54, 56, 60 for the modular mold assembly 10 may also include a plurality of cleats (wear blocks) 54 releasably interconnected with the top layer 26 of the plastic mold frame 18. Each of the cleats 54 has a flat, non-slip surface 55 for resting the blank thereon when the upper mold frame assembly 12 and the lower mold frame assembly 14 are disposed in the closed position. Again, unlike the construction of the cleats (wear blocks) of the prior art, the cleats 54 according to the present disclosure are constructed of plastic, rather than steel. Furthermore, the cleats (wear blocks) in the prior art cast steel construction must be integrally formed with the mold frame assembly. Thus, the ability to releasably interconnect the cleats 54 to the modular mold frame assembly 10 provides for an easier and faster manufacturing process.

[0055] like Figure 2 and Fig.21 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the plurality of working components 30, 34, 36, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 54, 56, 60 for the modular mold assembly 10 may also include a lift table 56 interconnected with the top layer 26 of the modular plastic frame 18 for the lower mold assembly 12. Prior art lift tables must be constructed of steel, such as steel pipe weldments. However, according to the present disclosure, the lift table 56 may be 3D printed and then releasably interconnected to the top layer 26 via a nitro lifter assembly 58 that is interconnected or snapped into place to the modular plastic frame 18. Thus, no screws or pins are required to secure the lift table 56 to the modular plastic frame 18, as required in prior art constructions.

[0056] like Figure 3 and Fig. 22 As best illustrated in FIG. 1 , the plurality of working components 30, 34, 36, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 54, 56, 60 for the modular mold assembly 10 may also include a guide pin block 60 for the upper mold assembly 14 and a heel block 62 for the lower mold assembly 12, the guide pin block 60 and the heel block 62 each being releasably interconnected to the modular plastic frame 18. The guide pin block and the heel block in the prior art cast steel construction are integrally formed with the mold frame assembly. Thus, the ability to simply interconnect the guide pin block 60 and the heel block 62 to the modular plastic frame 18 allows the modular mold frame assembly 10 to be easily customized to the specific needs of the vehicle part with minimal (or even no) changes to the production process (as would be required in the case of the prior art cast steel construction).

[0057] Although not explicitly illustrated, other working components for the modular mold frame assembly 10 that may be releasably interconnected to the modular plastic frame 18 include tool ball covers, target plates, feeler gauge clamps, XYZ tabs, extensions, uprights, swing templates, etc. All of the working components disclosed herein are non-limiting examples, and thus, other working components may be secured to the modular plastic frame 18 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] like Fig.23 As best shown in FIG. 1 , in the case of the inspection fixture assembly 11 , the modular plastic frame 18 may be placed and mounted on a movable cart 68 for allowing the inspection fixture assembly 11 to be moved to a desired location for part testing and inspection. Fig.24 and Fig.28 As best shown, the working components 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86 for inspecting the fixture assembly 11 include a target plate 70, a support post 72, and a feeler gauge retaining clip 74 interconnected with the base layer 24 of the modular plastic frame 18. Fig.25 As further illustrated in FIG. 1 , the working components 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86 for inspecting the fixture assembly 11 may additionally include a swing template 78 and a locking pin 80 interconnected to the modular plastic frame 18. Fig.26 As further illustrated in FIG. 1 , the working components 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86 for inspecting the fixture assembly 11 may additionally include a tool ball holder 82 and an information plate 84 interconnected to the base layer. Fig. 27 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the working components 70 , 72 , 74 , 76 , 78 , 80 , 82 , 84 , 86 for inspecting the fixture assembly 11 may additionally include a trim inspection aid 86 interconnected to the top layer 26 .

[0059] Although not explicitly illustrated in the drawings, working components for the inspection fixture assembly 11 may also include forklift fork pockets and / or sliding inspection rails, each interconnected to the modular plastic frame to complete the production of the modular inspection fixture assembly 11. These working components are exemplary, and other working components may be interconnected to the modular plastic frame 18 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] In addition to the above advantages associated with using a plastic molded block to form the inspection fixture assembly 11, the use of the plastic molded block 16 in the inspection fixture assembly 11 also eliminates any painting process required by customer standards. More specifically, because the plastic block 16 can be molded into a specific color, the need to paint the cast steel inspection fixture assembly, as required in the prior art design, is eliminated. Alternatively, during the use of the modular inspection fixture assembly 11, the plastic block 16 can be molded to include points added for optical scanning against a black background to confirm the accuracy of the vehicle part. In addition, because the plastic block 16 is molded or alternatively 3D printed, the plastic block 16 can be formed with holes in appropriate locations so that if fasteners are required to interconnect multiple plastic molded blocks 16 in the inspection fixture assembly 11, the fasteners can be quickly installed on the multiple plastic molded blocks 16 without the need for drilling before screwing in.

[0061] It should be understood that the foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for illustrative purposes. In other words, the present disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the present disclosure. Each element or feature of a particular embodiment is generally not limited to the particular embodiment, but is interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment where applicable, even if not specifically shown or described. Each element or feature of a particular embodiment can also be changed in many ways. This modification should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A modular blank mold assembly, include: a plurality of plastic molding blocks disposed in releasable interlocking relationship with one another to form a modular plastic frame; Each of the plurality of plastic molded blocks includes at least one male connector disposed on a first side portion, and at least one female connector disposed on a second side portion disposed opposite to the first side portion; the at least one male connector and the at least one female connector having complementary shapes for allowing the plurality of plastic molding blocks to be quickly and easily interconnected with one another to form the modular plastic frame; as well as At least one working component is interconnected to the modular plastic frame.

2. The modular blank mold assembly according to claim 1, in, The at least one working component includes a working connector shaped to be complementary to one of the male connector or the female connector for use in interconnecting the at least one working component to the modular plastic frame.

3. The modular blank mold assembly according to claim 1, in, Each of the male connector and the female connector has a circular cross-sectional shape.

4. The modular blank mold assembly according to claim 1, in, The modular plastic frame extends from a base layer to a top layer and includes a plurality of intermediate layers disposed in a stacked relationship between the base layer and the top layer.

5. The modular blank mold assembly according to claim 4, in, The at least one working member includes a plurality of lifting lugs and a plurality of clamping slots connected to the base layer.

6. The modular blank mold assembly according to claim 4, in, The at least one working component includes a plurality of anti-slip blocks and a lifting platform connected to the top layer of the modular plastic frame.

7. The modular blank mold assembly according to claim 6, in, The plurality of anti-slip blocks are made of plastic.

8. The modular blank mold assembly according to claim 6, in, The lifting platform is 3D printed.

9. The modular blank mold assembly according to claim 1, in, The at least one working component includes a mold heel block having a body constructed of plastic and including a ring and a wear plate constructed of steel and secured to the body.

10. The modular blank mold assembly according to claim 1, in, The at least one working component comprises a steel cutting section, a die heel block, a guide pin block, a building block or a shim block.

11. An inspection and fixing assembly, include: a plurality of plastic molding blocks disposed in releasable interlocking relationship with one another to form a modular plastic frame; Each of the plurality of plastic molded blocks includes at least one male connector disposed on a first side portion, and at least one female connector disposed on a second side portion disposed opposite to the first side portion; the at least one male connector and the at least one female connector having complementary shapes for allowing the plurality of plastic molding blocks to be quickly and easily interconnected with one another to form the modular plastic frame; as well as At least one working component is interconnected to the modular plastic frame.

12. The inspection and fixing assembly according to claim 11, in, The at least one working component includes a working connector shaped to be complementary to one of the male connector or the female connector for use in interconnecting the at least one working component to the modular plastic frame.

13. The inspection and fixing assembly according to claim 1, in, Each of the male connector and the female connector has a circular cross-sectional shape.

14. The inspection and fixing assembly according to claim 1, in, The modular plastic frame extends from a base layer to a top layer and includes a plurality of intermediate layers disposed in a stacked relationship between the base layer and the top layer.

15. The inspection and fixing assembly according to claim 11, in, The at least one working component includes a target plate, a post, a riser, a feeler gauge retaining clip, a swing template, a locking pin, a tool ball retainer, a trim inspection aid, an information plate and / or a tool ball cover.

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