Modular reconfigurable vehicle assembly pallet
First Claim
1. A modular reconfigurable assembly pallet system for use in positioning and supporting a partially assembled product in a predetermined X, Y and Z coordinate position and transferring the product along an assembly line in a X coordinate direction, the modular assembly pallet system comprising:
- a support pallet having a plurality of receivers, the support pallet operable to transport the product along the assembly line in the X coordinate direction;
a first modular plate configured for the product in a product first configuration;
a second modular plate configured for the product in a product second configuration different than the product first configuration, each of the first and the second modular plates alternately, selectively and removably engaged with the support pallet and operable to position and support the respective product first configuration and the product second configuration in the predetermined X, Y and Z coordinate position relative to the support pallet, the first and the second modular plates each further comprising;
a plate having a plurality of support pads; and
a riser having a fixed locating pin, the riser fixedly connected to the plate in theft predetermined X and Y coordinate position specific to the product in the respective first or the second configuration relative to the plate,wherein each plate support pad is selectively and removably engaged with a respective one of the plurality of receivers on engagement of the respective first or the second modular plate to the support pallet, the removably engaged plate support pads and respective receivers operable to position and secure the riser locating pin in the predetermined X, Y and Z coordinate position specific to the product in the respective first or the second configuration relative to the support pallet.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A modular reconfigurable vehicle assembly pallet system and method are disclosed. In one example, a plurality of modular assembly plates are assembled having vehicle locators positioned specifically for a particular model vehicle. The assembled vehicle-specific plates are easily installed on a universal pallet positioned along an assembly line in an assembly sequence. The vehicle-specific modular plates can be quickly interchanged on the assembly pallet to thereby reconfigure the assembly pallet to coordinate with changing vehicle build assembly sequences.
24 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A modular reconfigurable assembly pallet system for use in positioning and supporting a partially assembled product in a predetermined X, Y and Z coordinate position and transferring the product along an assembly line in a X coordinate direction, the modular assembly pallet system comprising:
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a support pallet having a plurality of receivers, the support pallet operable to transport the product along the assembly line in the X coordinate direction; a first modular plate configured for the product in a product first configuration; a second modular plate configured for the product in a product second configuration different than the product first configuration, each of the first and the second modular plates alternately, selectively and removably engaged with the support pallet and operable to position and support the respective product first configuration and the product second configuration in the predetermined X, Y and Z coordinate position relative to the support pallet, the first and the second modular plates each further comprising; a plate having a plurality of support pads; and a riser having a fixed locating pin, the riser fixedly connected to the plate in theft predetermined X and Y coordinate position specific to the product in the respective first or the second configuration relative to the plate, wherein each plate support pad is selectively and removably engaged with a respective one of the plurality of receivers on engagement of the respective first or the second modular plate to the support pallet, the removably engaged plate support pads and respective receivers operable to position and secure the riser locating pin in the predetermined X, Y and Z coordinate position specific to the product in the respective first or the second configuration relative to the support pallet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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11. A method for reconfiguring an assembly pallet for use in the assembly of vehicle bodies, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a support pallet having at least a first and a second receiver; providing a plurality of plates each having a plurality of plate support pads; assembling a first modular plate having a riser including a fixed locating pin, the riser fixedly connected to a first plate of the plurality of plates thereby positioning the locating pin in a predetermined X and Y and Z coordinate position specific to a first vehicle model relative to the first plate; assembling a second modular plate having a riser including a fixed locating pin, the riser fixedly connected to a second plate of the plurality of plates thereby positioning the locating pin in a predetermined X and Y and Z coordinate position specific to a second vehicle model different than the first vehicle model, the predetermined X and Y and Z coordinate position of the locating pin for the first modular plate is different than the second modular plate; selectively and alternatively moving one of the first or the second modular plates to the support pallet; and removably engaging the first or the second modular plates to the pallet through removably engaging the plurality of plate support pads with respective of the support pallet first and the second receivers thereby positioning the locating pin in the predetermined X, Y and Z coordinate position specific to the respective first or the second vehicle model. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A modular reconfigurable assembly pallet system for use in supporting and transferring a partially assembled vehicle along an assembly line, the assembly pallet comprising:
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a universal support pallet; a first and a second modular plate selectively and removably engaged with the support pallet, the first and second modular plates each further comprising; a plate; a riser fixedly connected to the plate in a predetermined X and Y coordinate position specific to a first or a second vehicle model relative to the plate along a X, Y and Z coordinate direction, the predetermined X and Y coordinate position of the riser being different for the first and the second modular plates to respectively coordinate to the first or the second vehicle model, the riser including a fixed locating pin; and a plurality of plate support pads connected to the plate; a first receiver connected to the support pallet, the first receiver having an arm defining a first receiver cavity, the first receiver further including at least two bearing surfaces facing the first receiver cavity, each of the at least two bearing surfaces engaging a respective one of the plurality of plate support pads to removably position and secure the respective first or the second modular plate in the X and Z coordinate directions thereby positioning the riser locating pin in the predetermined X and Z coordinate position specific to the respective first or second vehicle model; a second receiver connected to the pallet, the second receiver further comprising; an arm defining a second receiver cavity; at least two bearing surfaces facing the second receiver cavity operable to engage one of the plurality of plate support pads positioned in the second receiver cavity to removably position the plate in the Z coordinate direction; and a locking pin including a first position wherein the locking pin is disengaged allowing movement of the plate relative to the support platform in the Y coordinate direction and a second position wherein the locking pin is engaged to removably position and secure the plate in the Y coordinate direction, the second receiver and the locking pin operable to position and secure the riser locating pin in the predetermined Y and Z coordinate position specific to the respective first or the second vehicle model.
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Specification