Exchangeable Docking Plates for Fast Vehicle Part Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing automated production systems for motor vehicles require frequent conversion of workstations to accommodate different vehicle types, necessitating modifications or replacements of positioning and holding devices due to varying part geometries, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A device with exchangeable docking plates, each specifically designed for different motor vehicle types, which can be easily and automatically attached to a basic module using pull-in clamping bolts and zero-point clamping systems, allowing for rapid reconfiguration without altering the base frame or modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If positioning devices are modified or replaced to accommodate different motor vehicle types, then adaptability to different vehicle geometries is improved, but conversion time and production downtime increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different vehicle geometriesVSAvoidconversion time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device is segmented into a permanent base module and exchangeable docking plates. Each docking plate is a separate, replaceable component that can be quickly swapped to accommodate different vehicle types, eliminating the need to modify the entire positioning system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base module is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of docking plates through standardized interfaces. This allows a single base module to serve multiple vehicle types by simply changing the docking plate, reducing conversion time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If positioning devices are frequently modified for different vehicle types, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and modification effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility for different vehicle typesVSAvoidcomplexity of modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the positioning device into modular components (base module and docking plates), the system simplifies the modification process. Only the docking plate needs to be changed, not the entire device, reducing the complexity of conversions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The docking plates are designed as relatively simple, exchangeable components that can be easily manufactured and replaced. This approach treats the docking plates as consumable or easily replaceable parts, reducing the complexity and cost of modifications compared to redesigning the entire positioning system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3769905B1Device for positioning motor vehicle parts and method for selectively configuring such a device
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 MAGNA STEYR FAHRZEUGTECHNIK AG & CO KG
  • EP3769905B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3769905B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3769905B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A device for positioning motor vehicle parts for the production of motor vehicles, comprising a base frame (1), at least one base module (2) arranged on the base frame (1), and receptacles (3) designed to hold the motor vehicle parts, wherein the device comprises at least one replaceable docking plate (4), wherein the docking plate (4) is fixable in the base module (2), and wherein the receptacles (3) are formed on the docking plate (4).