Interchangeable Tooling Plate Interfaces for Multi-Model Assembly Lines

Solution Overview

Problem

In automotive production plants, traditional tooling plates are not compatible with multiple models, requiring multiple dedicated plates and lengthy changes, leading to inefficiencies and storage costs.

Innovation Solution

A mobile tooling plate with a platform and supporting elements, where interchangeable interfacing elements are used to adapt to different work parts, allowing the same plate to support various models without changing the platform, and stored in magazines for easy access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional dedicated tooling plates are used for each model, then each plate is optimized for its specific work parts, but multiple plates must be prepared and changed between models, increasing device complexity and loss of time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different work partsVSAvoidnumber of tooling plates

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tooling plate is designed with a universal platform and supporting elements that can accommodate different work parts through interchangeable interfacing elements. The platform includes multiple supporting elements distributed across its surface, each capable of receiving different interfacing elements to match various work part geometries, enabling a single plate to serve multiple models

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The tooling plate is segmented into a permanent platform structure and removable interfacing elements. The interfacing elements are separated from the main plate body, allowing them to be independently changed without replacing the entire plate. This segmentation enables quick reconfiguration by swapping only the necessary interfacing elements for different work parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional dedicated tooling plates are used for each model, then each plate is optimized for its specific work parts, but changing plates between models takes a long time, increasing loss of time and reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different work partsVSAvoidtime to change tooling plates

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tooling plate is segmented into a permanent platform structure and removable interfacing elements. The interfacing elements are separated from the main plate body, allowing them to be independently changed without replacing the entire plate. This segmentation enables quick reconfiguration by swapping only the necessary interfacing elements for different work parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple interfacing elements are prepared in advance and can be stored in magazines attached to the platform or nearby storage locations. When a model change is required, the appropriate interfacing elements are already available for quick attachment, eliminating the need to search for or prepare components during the changeover process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated tooling plates are prepared for different models, then each plate is optimized for its specific work parts, but unused plates must be stored in spaces beside production lines, increasing loss of substance and storage costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different work partsVSAvoidstorage space for unused plates

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The tooling plate is designed with a universal platform and supporting elements that can accommodate different work parts through interchangeable interfacing elements. The platform includes multiple supporting elements distributed across its surface, each capable of receiving different interfacing elements to match various work part geometries, enabling a single plate to serve multiple models

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding or storing unused dedicated plates, the system recovers and reuses the same physical plate by changing only the interfacing elements. The platform structure is retained and reused across multiple models, with only the consumable interfacing elements being changed, thereby eliminating the need for storage space for multiple complete plates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS11759899B2Tooling plate for conveying different work parts in an assembly line, and method for configuring the same

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a tooling plate for conveying a plurality of work parts to be assembled on an assembly line, the tooling plate including a platform, a supporting element fixed on and protruding from a surface of the platform, and one or more interfacing elements configured to be attached in a removable way to the supporting element, and configured to support at least a portion of a work part from the plurality of work parts when the one or more interfacing elements is attached to the supporting element. A shape of the interfacing element matches a portion of a shape of the portion of the work part, so that the tooling plate can be configured to convey, successively, different sets of work parts by only changing interfacing elements on the supporting element, from one set to another set, without changing the platform.