Commercial Vehicle Wheel Axle Positioning for Chassis Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of commercial vehicle wheel axles to the chassis frame is time-consuming and complex due to the numerous connection points and the rearward arrangement of the chassis frame, which complicates the mounting process.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize positioning units with wheel hub fixing devices and movement devices to align and mount multiple wheel axles simultaneously, allowing for parallel mounting and reducing assembly time by displacing and rotating the wheel axles into defined positions relative to the chassis frame, with control devices regulating the movement for ergonomic and efficient assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wheel axles are mounted one after the other on the chassis frame, then the complex fastening process at multiple connection points can be completed, but the assembly time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis frame is divided into multiple work positions along the conveyor line, with each position equipped with positioning devices for specific wheel axles. This allows different wheel axles to be mounted simultaneously at different positions rather than sequentially at one position, thereby reducing overall assembly time while maintaining the complexity of fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple wheel axle mounting operations are merged into a single continuous assembly process by using a conveyor belt to transport the chassis frame through multiple work positions. The positioning devices at each position work in parallel to mount different wheel axles simultaneously, combining what would otherwise be sequential operations into a concurrent process.
2Ease of operation
If the chassis frame is arranged backwards for assembly, then the upper side is accessible for mounting, but the arrangement process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging the chassis frame backwards to gain accessibility, the invention maintains the chassis frame in its normal forward orientation. The positioning devices are designed to bring wheel axles up to the chassis frame connection points, inverting the approach by moving the components to be mounted rather than reorienting the entire chassis frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning devices are designed with movable and adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to the chassis frame position. The conveyor belt provides continuous motion, and the positioning devices can be adjusted along the conveyor to accommodate different wheel axle positions, creating a dynamic system that eliminates the need for static chassis frame reorientation.
3Productivity
If multiple positioning devices are used to mount wheel axles simultaneously, then assembly throughput is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning devices are designed with universal, standardized components that can handle different wheel axle types and positions. The conveyor belt system serves multiple functions: transporting the chassis frame, positioning it at different work stations, and coordinating the movement of multiple positioning devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment for each wheel axle mounting task.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt acts as an intermediary element that coordinates and synchronizes the multiple positioning devices. Rather than having complex direct control mechanisms between all positioning devices, the conveyor belt mediates their operation by providing a common reference frame and timing mechanism, simplifying the overall control system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for assembling a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, wherein, in a setup step, a chassis frame (39) of the commercial vehicle is first moved to an assembly station (1) by means of a first transport device (41) and is fixedly arranged there in a defined frame assembly position, wherein, in the setup step, at least one chassis module (25) having several, in particular all, wheel axles (17, 18) of the commercial vehicle is also moved to the assembly station (1) by means of a second transport device (33, 35, 37) and is arranged there in a defined basic position, wherein, in the setup step, each wheel axle (17, 18) of the chassis module (25) arranged in the basic position is further fixed to a positioning device (3) of the assembly station (1) assigned to the respective wheel axle (17, 18), wherein each fixed wheel axle (17,18) of the chassis module (25) is brought into a defined wheel axle mounting position in a positioning step relative to the chassis frame (39) arranged in the frame mounting position by means of the respective positioning device (3), wherein in the wheel axle mounting position at least some of the connection points of the wheel axle (17, 18) corresponding connection points of the chassis frame (39) are assigned, and wherein the wheel axles (17, 18) brought into the wheel axle mounting positions and the chassis frame (39) are connected to each other at the mutually assigned connection points.