Vehicle Body Locking Apparatus Using Servo-Actuated Mechanical Interlocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for securing and positioning vehicle bodies on pallets in assembly lines require complex hydraulic and pneumatic mechanisms, adding unnecessary components and complexity, and lack efficient methods for accommodating various vehicle builds and body styles.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing fixed stanchions with receivers and servo motors with locking arms and linkages to precisely position and secure vehicle bodies on pallets, eliminating the need for hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms and allowing for adaptable positioning and locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex hydraulic and pneumatic mechanisms are used to secure vehicle bodies to pallets, then the securing function is achieved, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex hydraulic and pneumatic mechanisms from the pallet system, replacing them with a simpler mechanical locking system using stanchions and receivers. This eliminates unnecessary components while maintaining the securing function through a more straightforward mechanical engagement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic and pneumatic systems with a purely mechanical locking mechanism. The stanchions with locking arms and receivers create a mechanical interlock system that secures the vehicle body to the pallet without requiring fluid power systems, thereby reducing complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed stanchions with receivers and servo motors are used to position and lock vehicle bodies, then positioning precision and locking accuracy improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stanchions are pre-positioned at fixed locations around the pallet, and the receivers are pre-installed on the pallet structure. This preliminary positioning allows for precise vehicle body placement without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms, as the geometry of the pre-positioned components inherently guides accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical locking system is designed to be self-aligning and self-locating. The vehicle body's position is automatically determined by the geometric relationship between the stanchions and receivers, eliminating the need for complex control systems while maintaining high positioning precision through mechanical self-service.
3Device complexity
If a remote locking system without pneumatic or hydraulic mechanisms is used, then the component count is reduced, but the locking mechanism design becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The stanchions serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the pallet, act as positioning guides for the vehicle body, and function as locking actuators through their integrated locking arms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while simplifying the overall design through component consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active pneumatic or hydraulic systems to create locking force, the design inverts the approach by using passive mechanical geometry and gravity-assisted engagement. The locking arms naturally engage with the receivers through controlled movement, eliminating the need for complex actuation systems while achieving reliable locking.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle body (11) is positioned and locked on a movable vehicle support pallet (10) positioned at a vehicle build station. The support pallet is accurately and precisely positioned at a build station through alignment and inserting engagement of locating pads (86) in at least one four-way receiver (114) and at least one two way receiver (180) mounted to a build station foundation.