Interchangeable Rear Axle Frames for Shorter Chassis Alignment Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing production lines for motor vehicles require extensive space and increased cycle times due to the need to accommodate and adjust different types of rear axles, as they must be transported along the line and handled on multiple frames designed for various axle types, leading to inefficiencies in handling and processing.
Innovation Solution
The integration of interchangeable frames with standardized interfaces into the production line, which include bearing, loading, measuring, and adjustment tools, allowing for flexible handling of different rear axles without the need for extensive reconfiguration, reducing space requirements and cycle times by enabling direct processing of various axle types within the same line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frames designed for different rear axle types are provided along the production line, then different types of rear axles can be handled and adjusted, but the production line becomes excessively long and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The production line is segmented into modular positioning means that can independently position interchangeable frames at specific locations. This allows multiple frames for different axle types to be distributed along the production line rather than concentrated in one location, reducing the overall line length while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging frames sequentially in one dimension along the production line, the system uses positioning means to place frames at different spatial locations and orientations. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows efficient use of space and reduces the linear length of the production line while maintaining access to all frame types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rear axles are transported along the production line to reach frames for adjustment, then different axle types can be processed, but cycle times increase due to extended transport distances
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning means are configured to position the appropriate interchangeable frame at the optimal location before the rear axle arrives. This preliminary positioning eliminates unnecessary transport and waiting time, allowing the axle to be processed immediately upon arrival at the frame, thus reducing cycle time while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable frames act as intermediaries that can be quickly swapped at different positions along the production line. This allows the system to adapt to different axle types without requiring physical reconfiguration of the entire line, reducing downtime and cycle time while maintaining processing capability for various axle types.
3Productivity
If standardized interfaces and interchangeable frames are used, then space requirements and cycle times are reduced, but the system must accommodate multiple frame types for different vehicle models
Solution Approach 1:
The interchangeable frames are designed with standardized interfaces that allow a single frame design to accommodate multiple rear axle types through configurable components. This universal design reduces the number of different frame types needed while maintaining the ability to process various vehicle models, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for measuring and adjusting the parameters of the chassis geometry at a rear axle of a motor vehicle on a production line for the motor vehicle. Gripping and holding means for the rear axle and loading means for the rear axle are associated with the production line. According to the invention, a plurality of interchangeable frames is associated with the production line, and positioning means for positioning one of the interchangeable frames into a position for gripping the rear axle in the production process are associated with the production line. The gripping and holding means for the rear axle and the loading means for the rear axle are associated with the interchangeable frame in question. The interchangeable frames can thereby be matched to rear axles of different vehicle types, such that these different rear axles can be processed in one assembly line.