Method for assembly of a motorcycle frame
First Claim
1. A method for assembling a plurality of different frames on a single assembly line comprising the steps of:
- locating a pallet in at least one workstation;
rotatably supporting at least one fixture on the pallet, the at least one fixture having anon-vertical axis of rotation and for receiving components of a frame to be assembled in fixed relationship to one another; and
locking each of the at least one rotatable fixture supported on the pallet in a desired angular orientation with respect to the pallet.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for assembling motorcycle frames includes a conveyor defining a path of travel and at least one pallet movable along the conveyor through at least one workstation. The pallet supports at least one rotatable frame for receiving individual components and/or sub-assemblies in fixed relationship with respect to one another in a geometry fixture. The angular position of the rotatable frame and supported geometry fixture can be reoriented about an axis of rotation by engagement with a drive motor. The rotatable frame is normally locked in an angular orientation with respect to the pallet until released by engagement with a lock release actuator or key. The pallet is supported on a movable section of the conveyor. The movable section of the conveyor is operable in response to actuation of a drive motor. When the movable section of the conveyor and supported pallet are moved, the movable section of the conveyor is guided between raised and lowered positions with respect to the workstation, and the support pallet is accurately and repeatably positioned with respect to the workstation for automated processing operations at the workstation.
33 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for assembling a plurality of different frames on a single assembly line comprising the steps of:
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locating a pallet in at least one workstation;
rotatably supporting at least one fixture on the pallet, the at least one fixture having anon-vertical axis of rotation and for receiving components of a frame to be assembled in fixed relationship to one another; and
locking each of the at least one rotatable fixture supported on the pallet in a desired angular orientation with respect to the pallet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for assembling a plurality of different frames on a single assembly line comprising the steps of:
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locating a movable pallet in at least one workstation located along a path of travel;
rotatably supporting at least one fixture on the pallet, the at least one fixture having anon-vertical axis of rotation and for receiving components of a frame to be assembled in fixed relationship to one another;
locking each of the at least one rotatable fixture supported on the pallet in a desired angular orientation with respect to the pallet; and
welding the components of the frame to one another. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification