Ground Sliding Fixture Switching for Multi-Model Co-Line Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ground sliding type flexible framing systems face challenges in high precision docking, complex control, low reliability, and large space occupation, making them unsuitable for multi-vehicle model production lines with frequent fixture switching.

Innovation Solution

A ground sliding type flexible framing system with bidirectional sliding rails and a fixture switching system that includes transport trolleys and driving pulling swing arms, allowing framing fixtures to be flexibly switched between storage and splicing systems, reducing switching time and space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If another set of positioning mechanism is provided to control docking precision, then docking precision is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocking precisionVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bidirectional sliding rail system enables the fixture storage positions to automatically achieve precise docking through their own bidirectional movement capability, without requiring external positioning mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the sliding tables and transport mechanism to inherently provide the necessary positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The bidirectional sliding rails serve multiple functions: they provide both the positioning mechanism and the transport path for fixtures. The same rail structure that enables bidirectional sliding also serves as the docking interface, eliminating the need for separate positioning devices.

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

2Quantity of substance

If fixture storage positions are divided left and right, then storage capacity is improved, but occupation space increases and circulation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidoccupation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of dividing storage positions into left and right sections that require separate circulation paths, the system uses bidirectional sliding along a linear rail arrangement. This transforms the spatial organization from a two-dimensional left-right division to a one-dimensional bidirectional linear arrangement, reducing the occupation space while maintaining storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The bidirectional sliding rail system merges the storage positions into a unified linear arrangement where fixtures can be accessed from both ends. This combines what would otherwise be separate left and right storage zones into a single integrated system, reducing overall space occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If single switching manner is used for fixtures, then device simplicity is improved, but switching frequency and production line maintaining capability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching system simplicityVSAvoidfixture switching frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transforms the static single-direction switching manner into a dynamic bidirectional switching capability. The sliding tables can move fixtures in both directions along the rails, enabling flexible switching between different storage positions and the splicing system, thereby increasing switching frequency without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If bidirectional sliding rails are used for fixture storage, then switching flexibility is improved and occupation space is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bidirectional sliding rail system is divided into modular segments with standardized components such as sliding tables, transport trolleys, and driving mechanisms. Each module can be manufactured independently and assembled into the complete system, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining switching flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system enables flexible and efficient fixture switching, reduces space occupation, and improves stability and precision, meeting the demands of multi-vehicle model production by allowing fixtures to bidirectionally slide and reducing the complexity of fixture control.

Implementation Method 1

driving motors and first gears arranged on output shafts of the driving motors and meshed with the first racks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

first gears arranged on output shafts of the driving motors and meshed with the first racks, the trolley brackets are arranged on the upper guide rails and the lower guide rails by means of the first guide devices and run on the trolley transport guide rail in a meshing transmission manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear and rack mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 3

the trolley brackets are provided with driving pulling swing arms capable of pulling the framing fixtures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical pulling force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3075637B1Ground sliding type flexible framing system
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 GUANGZHOU MINO AUTOMOTIVE EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP3075637B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3075637B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3075637B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention discloses a ground sliding type flexible framing system, which comprises a vehicle body transport system, welding systems, framing fixtures, a splicing system, a fixture storage system and a fixture switching system. The fixture storage system comprises a plurality of bidirectional sliding rails arranged in parallel, storage positions for storing framing fixtures are formed on the bidirectional sliding rails, and the fixture switching system comprises a left sliding table transport rail and a right sliding table transport rail which are led to two sides of the splicing system from two ends of the bidirectional sliding rails, fixture transport rails led to the left sliding table transport rail and the right sliding table transport rail from two sides of the splicing system, respectively, sliding tables capable of running on the left sliding table transport rail and the right sliding table transport rail and a transport mechanism capable of pulling the framing fixtures positioned on the bidirectional sliding rails and the fixture transport rails. The switching mode of framing fixtures of the invention is more flexible, the switching period is shortened, the occupation space is reduced, and the random fixture switching need during multi-vehicle model co-line production can be met.