Adjustable Locating Fixture for Body Panel Measurement Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing part locating fixtures for automobile body panels require frequent shimming to maintain dimensional tolerance, leading to costly manual labor and increased downtime due to the need for adjustments across various part numbers.

Innovation Solution

An innovative adjustable locating fixture with a part locating feature and position indicator, featuring a base with a raised platform and an adjustable locating member that is rotationally and translationally mounted, along with a restraining member to provide precise positioning and secure clamping, allowing for easy adjustment and alignment without the need for frequent re-shimming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional fixed locating fixtures are used, then initial positioning accuracy is achieved, but frequent manual shimming is required to maintain tolerance across different part numbers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimensional toleranceVSAvoiddowntime for shimming

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locating member is designed with rotational and translational adjustability, transforming a static fixture into a dynamic one. The locating member can rotate about a vertical axis and translate along the axis, allowing continuous adjustment to accommodate different part geometries while maintaining precise positioning. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for frequent manual shimming operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous parameter adjustment of the locating member's position and orientation. By changing the rotational angle and translational distance parameters, the fixture can adapt to various part numbers while maintaining dimensional tolerance. The position indicator provides visual feedback of these parameter changes through alignment with indicia.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional fixed locating fixtures are used, then initial setup is simple, but costly manual labor is required for frequent adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixture setupVSAvoidadjustment labor

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable locating member with rotational and translational capabilities allows operators to easily reposition the member for different part numbers without requiring complex manual shimming. The restraining member with opening provides simple engagement and disengagement for adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position indicator system with indicia provides visual self-alignment guidance, allowing operators to intuitively adjust the locating member to the correct position without requiring complex measurement or calculation. The system guides its own adjustment through visual feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional locating fixtures are used, then basic positioning is achieved, but frequent re-shimming increases labor costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidre-shimming frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic adjusting mechanism allows the locating member to maintain reliable positioning accuracy across different part numbers through continuous adjustment rather than discrete shimming operations. The stabilizing member ensures that adjustments are precise and held firmly once positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position indicator provides visual feedback to the operator during adjustment, showing when the locating member is in the correct position through alignment with indicia. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable positioning while reducing the need for repeated adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable locating members are implemented, then adaptability to different part numbers is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepart number accommodationVSAvoidfixture structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locating member's rotational and translational adjustability provides high adaptability to different part geometries. The stabilizing member with pin in recess provides simple rotational constraint, while the restraining member with opening and securing member provides straightforward translational locking. These mechanisms add minimal complexity while maximizing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable locating member serves multiple functions: it can locate different part geometries, accommodate various positioning requirements, and work with different part numbers. The stabilizing member and restraining member work together to provide both rotational and translational control, creating a universal locating solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11123833B2Adjustable fixture to position parts for dimensional measurement

Publication Date: 2021.09.21 FORD MOTOR CO

AI summary

A locating fixture includes an adjustable locating member for supporting and restraining a part. The adjustable locating member allows for rotational and translational adjustment for aligning to a particular part configuration. The adjustable locating member utilizes a plurality of indicia and a position indicator to assist in the alignment of the adjustable locating member to a desired position, which is then restrained at a desired position by a restraining element.