Integrated Carriage and Lifting Device for Clamping Frame Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing production line workstations for motor vehicle body parts require complex and time-consuming processes for clamping frame changes and feeding, involving multiple separate devices and additional space for frame transfer and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A motion-coupled structural unit combining the carriage and lifting device within the clamping frame magazine allows for dual-function infeed and changing of clamping frames without additional gripping elements, reducing docking and undocking processes and minimizing space requirements, enabling efficient and reliable frame changes during body structure transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate devices (cross slides, lifting carriages, infeed working carriages) are used for clamping frame transfer, then the clamping frame can be delivered to the body structure, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex in terms of design and process technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate devices (cross slide, lifting carriage, infeed working carriage) into a single integrated structural unit. The cross slide carriage includes integrated lifting devices that can both transverse the clamping frame and lift it vertically, eliminating the need for separate gripping elements and multiple transfer steps between distinct devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross slide carriage is designed as a multi-functional structural unit that performs multiple operations: transverse movement of the clamping frame, vertical lifting, and positioning. This single device replaces the functions previously distributed across multiple separate devices, simplifying the overall system while maintaining delivery reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate devices and additional gripping elements are used for clamping frame transfer, then the clamping frame can be positioned, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of lifting and transverse movement functions into a single cross slide carriage eliminates the need for sequential transfer operations between multiple devices. The clamping frame is moved and positioned in a continuous, streamlined process rather than through multiple discrete steps, reducing cycle time while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping frame is preliminarily positioned and secured to the cross slide carriage before the body structure arrives. This pre-positioning allows the frame to be ready for immediate delivery when the body structure is in place, eliminating waiting time and reducing the overall frame change time.
3Reliability
If separate infeed carriages and lifting carriages are used, then the clamping frame can be transferred, but additional space is required for frame transfer and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the lifting carriage and infeed carriage functions into a single cross slide carriage, the patent reduces the spatial footprint required for frame transfer operations. The integrated structure eliminates the need for separate operational zones for lifting and transverse movement, compacting the overall workstation area while maintaining transfer reliability.
4Ease of operation
If multiple separate devices are used for clamping frame feeding, then the frame can be delivered to the body structure, but the design becomes complex in terms of process technology
Solution Approach 1:
The cross slide carriage is designed as a universal structural unit that handles all aspects of clamping frame feeding: transverse movement, vertical lifting, and positioning. This multi-functional design simplifies the operational sequence and reduces the complexity of process technology by eliminating the coordination requirements between multiple separate devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a work station of an assembly line for joining body parts (3, 9) of a motor vehicle, especially for joining at least one lateral part (9) to a body structure (3, 51). Said work station has a clamping frame storage area (39) used to provide clamping frames (A, B, C, D) and comprising at least one carriage (37) for moving at least one clamping frame (A, B, C, D) in the clamping frame storage area (39), and a lifting device (35) for moving the clamping frames (A, B, C, D) between the clamping frame storage area (39) and the work station (5). According to the invention, the carriage (37) and the lifting device (35) form a movably-coupled structural unit (47) containing the clamping frames (A, B, C, D).