Rotating Vehicle Assembly Tool Carrier for Model Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle assembly lines face challenges in efficiently switching between different vehicle models due to the need for various roof shapes and corresponding assembly tools, leading to space and time inefficiencies in assembly stations.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for handling a vehicle assembly tool carrier with two supporting surfaces, where the first and second handling devices jointly lift, rotate, and lower the carrier to reconfigure the clamping frames for different vehicle types, allowing for efficient conversion between assembly variants with minimal space and time requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clamping frames for different vehicle models are kept in stock at assembly stations, then adaptability to different vehicle types is improved, but space requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tool carrier is designed with multiple bearing surfaces that can each support different clamping frames. By rotating the carrier to different angular positions, the same physical device can present different tool configurations to the assembly station, making one device perform multiple functions that would otherwise require multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The tool carrier is made rotatable about a vertical axis, transforming a static arrangement of tools into a dynamic system. This rotation capability allows the assembly station to access different clamping frames by changing the angular position of the carrier, enabling quick model changes without physical reconfiguration or additional storage space
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clamping frames are kept in stock for different vehicle models, then adaptability is improved, but assembly changeover time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clamping frames are pre-positioned on different bearing surfaces of the tool carrier before the changeover is needed. When a model change is required, the carrier is simply rotated to bring the appropriate pre-positioned frame into the working position, eliminating the need for time-consuming assembly or reconfiguration during the changeover process
3Area of stationary object
If a single tool carrier is used with multiple bearing surfaces, then space efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool carrier is segmented into multiple bearing surfaces (at least two) that can independently support different clamping frames. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized for specific tool types while the overall system maintains a compact, space-efficient design through the shared carrier structure
Data Source
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AI summary
The apparatus has first handling device (110) for handling of the vehicle assembly tool carrier (300) having two wings (300A,300B) that supports assembly of a vehicle (2) in vehicle assembly line (1). A second handling device (120) is provided for handling the vehicle assembly tool carrier, together with first handling device. The first and second handling devices for joint operation of vehicle assembly tool carrier are designed, such that two wings are provided one above the other at predetermined position after operation. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) vehicle assembly tool carrier; (2) assembly station of vehicle production line; and (3) method for handling vehicle assembly tool carrier at vehicle production line.