Integrated Carriage for Random Vehicle Build Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle assembly processes face challenges in efficiently changing over between different vehicle types due to logistical complexities and congestion on the assembly line, particularly when building multiple vehicle types in a random sequence, which increases time, costs, and error susceptibility.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a carriage with part racks that supports and transports both loose components and subassemblies along an assembly line, allowing for precise positioning at build stations and eliminating the need for separate conveyors and part bins, enabling flexible and efficient vehicle body construction regardless of architecture or build sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bins or racks containing components for multiple vehicle types are positioned next to assembly cells to support random build sequences, then adaptability to different vehicle types is improved, but device complexity and logistical congestion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the part delivery function and vehicle build function into a single integrated carriage system. The carriage simultaneously transports the vehicle body and carries all necessary part racks, eliminating the need for separate part delivery mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability to random build sequences
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple vehicle types and configurations. It features interchangeable part racks that can be quickly swapped to match different build requirements, providing multi-functionality without increasing logistical complexity
2Ease of operation
If separate conveyors and part bins are used to deliver components to assembly stations, then part delivery capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines part delivery and vehicle transport into a single carriage system, eliminating separate conveyors and part bins. The carriage self-containedly carries all necessary components for building a vehicle, simplifying the overall system while maintaining efficient part delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The part delivery function is extracted from the external environment and integrated directly onto the vehicle carriage. This eliminates the need for external part bins and separate delivery conveyors, reducing system complexity while improving ease of operation
Data Source
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AI summary
A device and method for assembling parts, products or machines in a random build order that integrates or combines the delivery of loose components to be assembled on a carriage that itself supports the device being assembled along an assembly line path of travel. The loose parts onboard the carriage that also supports the device being progressively assembled substantially improves the logistics in an assembly plant and efficiency in building the part, product or device, for example a vehicle sheet metal body.