Inline Accuracy Checking of Transportable Positioning Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for checking the dimensional accuracy of transportable positioning devices in motor vehicle production are time-consuming and inefficient, often requiring devices to be removed from the production cycle for periodic checks, which can lead to delays and potential faulty devices remaining undetected.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures the dimensional accuracy of transportable positioning devices by evaluating predefined measuring points on body components during the normal production cycle using an inline measuring station, allowing for real-time identification and correction of faulty devices without disrupting the production process, utilizing existing measurement points and systems for process control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If periodic checks are performed by removing positioning devices from the production cycle, then measurement accuracy can be ensured, but production time is lost and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement function with the production process by integrating an inline measuring station into the existing production circulation. The positioning devices continue to circulate with body components through all workstations, and measurements are taken at the inline station without removing devices from the production cycle. This merging eliminates the need to stop production for separate measurement campaigns while maintaining measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement process operates continuously as positioning devices circulate through the production cycle. Instead of periodic interruptions, the inline measuring station captures data whenever devices pass through, enabling continuous monitoring of dimensional accuracy without breaking the production flow. This ensures both productivity maintenance and ongoing quality verification.
2Reliability
If positioning devices are checked frequently to ensure accuracy, then reliability improves, but production time is consumed and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The inline measuring station is positioned within the production circulation to perform measurements proactively during normal device circulation. By measuring positioning devices while they are in use rather than waiting for periodic removal, the system detects dimensional drift early before it affects production quality. This preliminary detection approach maintains reliability without requiring time-consuming post-production measurement campaigns.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated measuring stations are used for periodic checks, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inline measuring station serves multiple functions: it measures positioning devices for dimensional accuracy, verifies body component positioning, and provides continuous monitoring data. By making the measurement system multi-functional and integrating it into the existing production infrastructure, the patent avoids the need for separate dedicated measuring stations, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for checking the dimensional accuracy of transportable positioning devices (P) for the production of motor vehicles, wherein the positioning devices (P) each have receptacles (1, 3, 5, 7) so that a body component (K) of a motor vehicle to be manufactured can be positioned geometrically exactly on the positioning device (P), and wherein the positioning devices (P) with the body component (K) positioned on them are moved to different workstations for the production of the motor vehicles in a motor vehicle production cycle, wherein during the motor vehicle production cycle, predefined measuring points (M) on the body component (K) positioned on the positioning device (P) are measured at the workstations and/or in an inline measuring station specifically provided in the motor vehicle production cycle for recording measured values.wherein the dimensional accuracy of the transportable positioning device (P) is determined by evaluating the measuring points (M) by a control unit.