Vehicle Parts Assembly Using Pre-Measured Dimensional Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle parts assembly methods lack accuracy in meeting specific vehicle specifications, particularly when combining multiple types of parts, leading to deviations from reference values.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that measure dimensions and characteristics of various vehicle parts, select specific parts to approximate specific vehicle specification reference values, and position them accurately to improve assembly accuracy, considering clearance between bolts and insertion holes, and prioritizing parts by procurement date.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional assembly inspection methods using master images and correlation values are used, then assembly quality evaluation can be performed, but the accuracy of vehicle specifications relative to reference values cannot be sufficiently improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of vehicle specificationsVSAvoidcomplexity of assembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by measuring and recording dimensions and characteristics of individual parts before assembly occurs. This pre-measurement data is stored and later used to select and combine parts that will achieve the desired vehicle specification accuracy, rather than relying solely on post-assembly inspection methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by transitioning from evaluating only assembly quality via correlation values to measuring and utilizing specific dimensional parameters and characteristics of individual parts. This parameter change enables more precise control over final vehicle specifications by selecting parts whose measured dimensions will combine to meet target values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If individual part measurements and combinations are determined to improve specification accuracy, then vehicle specification accuracy improves, but measurement and selection time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of vehicle specificationsVSAvoidtime for part measurement and selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs measurements of all available parts in advance and stores the measurement data. This preliminary measurement action eliminates the need for time-consuming measurements during the assembly selection process, as the pre-collected data can be quickly analyzed to identify suitable part combinations that meet specification targets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the measured part dimensions and characteristics to determine optimal combinations. The system evaluates how individual part measurements will combine to achieve target vehicle specifications, providing feedback that guides the selection process and enables accurate prediction of assembly outcomes before physical assembly occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive part measurements are taken for all parts in stock, then selection accuracy improves, but measurement resources and processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of part selectionVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary dimensional and characteristic data from each part that is relevant to the vehicle specification requirements. Rather than measuring every possible attribute of each part, the system focuses on extracting specific measurements that will directly impact the assembly outcomes, reducing unnecessary measurement overhead while maintaining selection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3945008B1Vehicle parts assembly method and vehicle parts assembly apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP3945008B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3945008B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3945008B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of assembling vehicle parts, the method including: measuring at least one of a dimension or a characteristic of each of plural types of vehicle parts, and, for types of vehicle parts of which there are plural in stock, measuring at least one of a dimension or a characteristic of each one of the plural vehicle parts that are in stock; determining a combination of the plural types of vehicle parts by selecting specific vehicle parts from among the types of vehicle parts of which there are plural in stock, such that the selected specific vehicle parts closely approximate specific vehicle specification reference values; and assembling the plural types of vehicle parts in accordance with the combination that has been determined.