Vehicle Body Joining Station With Variable Connection Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle body processing stations are limited by a fixed connection angle of 180°, which restricts their use with different body geometries and feature large, heavy pivoting units that disrupt the center of gravity, leading to reduced service life and increased cycle times.
Innovation Solution
A method and processing station design that allows for a non-parallel movement of the clamping frame and workpiece carrier to achieve a connection angle deviating from 180°, eliminating the need for a pivoting unit by using horizontal and vertical movements with controlled speeds and sequences to position components accurately for joining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed connection angle of 180° is used for joining components, then the processing station structure is simple, but the adaptability to different body geometries is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability of the connection angle between clamping frame and workpiece carrier through independent controlled movements. The system transitions from a fixed 180° connection to a variable angle connection where the angle can be dynamically adjusted according to different body geometries, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of connection angle from a fixed value (180°) to a variable parameter that can be adjusted according to different joining requirements. By enabling independent movement of the clamping frame and workpiece carrier, the system allows the connection angle to be modified without changing the overall structure, thus improving adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If large and heavy pivoting units are used to achieve variable connection angles, then the adaptability to different body geometries is improved, but the center of gravity distribution becomes unfavorable and service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the heavy pivoting units from the system. Instead of using traditional pivoting mechanisms to achieve variable angles, the system employs independent linear movements of the clamping frame and workpiece carrier. This removal of unnecessary heavy components improves reliability and service life while maintaining the ability to achieve variable connection angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pivoting system with a controlled movement system. Instead of using physical pivoting units that create unfavorable center of gravity distribution, the system uses independent drive units to position the clamping frame and workpiece carrier at desired angles, eliminating the harmful mechanical complexity and improving reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pivoting units are used to enable angle adjustment, then the versatility for different geometries is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the heavy pivoting units from the system. The angle adjustment capability is achieved through independent controlled movements of the clamping frame and workpiece carrier instead of physical pivoting mechanisms, thereby eliminating unnecessary weight while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal system where the clamping frame and workpiece carrier can independently move to achieve various connection angles. This multi-functional capability replaces the need for specialized pivoting units, reducing weight while maintaining the ability to handle different geometries.
4Reliability
If slow movement of clamping frames is used to extend service life, then the reliability is improved, but the cycle time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed control for the clamping frame and workpiece carrier movements. The system can adjust movement speeds according to operational requirements, allowing fast movements during positioning and controlled slower movements during critical operations. This dynamic approach maintains reliability while improving productivity by avoiding unnecessarily slow cycle times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action with varying speeds during the joining process. The system uses controlled movement sequences with different speed phases - faster during non-critical positioning and slower during critical joining operations. This periodic variation in speed maintains reliability during critical moments while improving overall cycle time and productivity.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a machining station (1) and a method for joining a first component (101) with a second component (102) in a machining station (1), wherein a workpiece carrier (4) is moved into a geometry clamping station (2) of the machining station (1), wherein a clamping frame (3) of the machining station (1) is moved in a first movement and the workpiece carrier (4) moved into the geometry clamping station (2) is moved in a second movement simultaneously from a pre-position (PS1, PW1) into a joining position (P2) in which the first component (101) is joined with the second component (102).