Cross Car Beam Locator Positioning via Net Form Pierce

The patent applies preliminary action by creating compensating adjustments in advance through the net form pierce process. Locator holes are positioned based on actual measured locations of component features, allowing tolerance compensation to be built into the final assembly before downstream components are installed. This preliminary measurement and adjustment step prevents tolerance stack-up from propagating to the instrument panel.

The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual locations of component features (such as weld seams and mounting holes) and using this measured data to determine the precise positions of locator holes. The net form pierce process creates locators at these measured locations, ensuring that downstream components like the instrument panel are positioned relative to actual feature locations rather than nominal dimensions, thereby eliminating fit and finish issues.

The patent replaces traditional mechanical drilling methods with the net form pierce process, which uses a specialized tool that can precisely position and create locator holes at measured locations. This process substitutes the conventional drill-and-template approach with a more advanced system that incorporates measurement data, allowing locator holes to be positioned with high accuracy while maintaining efficient production speeds through automation.