Inline Positioning Device Accuracy Checks in Auto Body Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing the dimensional accuracy of transportable positioning devices in motor vehicle production are time-consuming and inefficient, often requiring separate measurement sessions outside the production cycle, which can lead to significant delays in identifying and correcting faulty devices.
Innovation Solution
A method that integrates inline measurement during the motor vehicle production cycle using a control unit to evaluate the 3D coordinates of predefined measuring points on body components, allowing for real-time determination of positional accuracy and identification of faulty positioning devices without additional measurement time or equipment, by leveraging existing measuring points and systems used for body component control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate measurement sessions outside the production cycle are used to test positioning devices, then measurement accuracy can be ensured, but production time is significantly delayed and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positioning device measurement function with the body component measurement function into a single inline measurement process. The same measuring device and measuring points are used to measure both the body component and the positioning device, merging two separate measurement tasks into one integrated process that occurs during normal production operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures both the body component for quality control and the positioning device for dimensional accuracy verification. The same measuring points serve dual purposes, allowing the system to universally handle different measurement objectives without requiring separate dedicated equipment.
2Reliability
If frequent checks of positioning devices are performed, then dimensional stability is improved, but additional time and resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process continues uninterrupted during normal production operations. Instead of stopping the production cycle for separate measurements, the system continuously measures positioning devices inline as body components pass through, ensuring dimensional stability is monitored without interrupting the continuous flow of production.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device is measured while it is naturally present in the system with a body component, using the production process itself to provide the measurement opportunity. The system leverages the existing presence and movement of components through the production line to automatically perform measurements without requiring separate intervention or additional time allocation.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated measurement equipment is used for positioning devices, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures both the body component for quality control and the positioning device for dimensional accuracy verification. The same measuring points serve dual purposes, allowing the system to universally handle different measurement objectives without requiring separate dedicated equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system uses the body component itself as a reference object to measure the positioning device. The body component's known geometry and positioning features serve as a natural reference, allowing the system to self-calibrate and measure positioning device accuracy without requiring additional specialized reference artifacts or complex measurement setups.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for testing the dimensional accuracy of transportable positioning devices for the production of a motor vehicle. The method includes providing locaters on positioning devices so that each body component of the motor vehicle is accurately geometrically positioned on a respective one of the positioning devices. The method also includes moving, in a motor vehicle production cycle, the positioning devices with the respective body component positioned thereon to different workstations. The method further includes measuring, by a control unit during the motor vehicle production cycle in the workstations and/or in an inline measuring station for an acquisition of measured values in the motor vehicle production cycle, predefined measuring points on each body component positioned on the positioning device. The method additionally includes evaluating, by the control unit, the predefined measuring points to determine a dimensional accuracy of the transportable positioning device.