Transport system and methods
First Claim
1. An assembly transport system for use in assembly or logistics operations, the transport system comprising:
- a transport device operable to transport a workpiece along a path of travel in communication with a workstation, the transport device further comprising;
a frame comprising;
a pair of side walls separated along a Y-axis; and
a cross-member connected to the pair of frame side walls, the frame side walls and the cross-member defining a clearance opening having a clearance opening width along the Y axis and a clearance opening height along a Z axis through the transport device along a X axis;
a drive system connected to the frame, the drive system operable to selectively move the transport device along the path of travel;
a manipulator device supported by the frame, the manipulator device movable relative to the frame;
a carrier connected to the manipulator device operable to support a workpiece transported by the transport device;
a sensor connected to the frame operable to assist in navigating movement of the transport device along the path of travel; and
a control system in communication with the sensor, the drive system and the manipulator device, the control system operable to autonomously or semi-autonomously move and navigate the transport device along the path of travel and the manipulator device relative to the frame.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A transport system and method useful for autonomously or semi-autonomously transporting and positioning materials or components in an industrial facility. In one example in use for passenger vehicle body assembly, a transport device includes a lift device and first and second build devices for alternately supporting a workpiece. The transport device includes a clearance opening for passage by the second build device along the path of travel. The transport device positions the first build device and workpiece over the second build device and deposits the workpiece on the lower second build device for processing. When the process is complete, the first build device re-engages the workpiece for movement to another workstation.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. An assembly transport system for use in assembly or logistics operations, the transport system comprising:
a transport device operable to transport a workpiece along a path of travel in communication with a workstation, the transport device further comprising; a frame comprising; a pair of side walls separated along a Y-axis; and a cross-member connected to the pair of frame side walls, the frame side walls and the cross-member defining a clearance opening having a clearance opening width along the Y axis and a clearance opening height along a Z axis through the transport device along a X axis; a drive system connected to the frame, the drive system operable to selectively move the transport device along the path of travel; a manipulator device supported by the frame, the manipulator device movable relative to the frame; a carrier connected to the manipulator device operable to support a workpiece transported by the transport device; a sensor connected to the frame operable to assist in navigating movement of the transport device along the path of travel; and a control system in communication with the sensor, the drive system and the manipulator device, the control system operable to autonomously or semi-autonomously move and navigate the transport device along the path of travel and the manipulator device relative to the frame. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method for transporting and positioning a workpiece at a workstation, the method comprises:
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moving a transport device having a frame and a first build device supporting a workpiece along a path of travel in communication with a workstation; passing a second build device positioned in the workstation along the path of travel through a clearance opening in the transport device frame; stopping the transfer device at a predetermined position at a workstation; moving the first build device along a Z axis from a first position to a second position relative to the frame and the second build device; disengaging the workpiece from the first build device; and engaging the workpiece to the second build device through movement of the first build device to position the workpiece at a desired location relative to the workstation for processing of the workpiece. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25)
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Specification