Precision assembly table and method

• US 6,202,275 B1
• Filed: 12/12/1997
• Issued: 03/20/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/12/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Maglev, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Maglev, Inc.
• Inventors: Gurney, Fred J., Cioletti, Joseph T., Young, Frank E.
• Primary Examiner(s): BRYANT, DAVID P
• Application Number:
  US08/989,993
• Time in Patent Office: 1,194 Days
• Field of Search: 294/64, 294/070.5, 294/070.9, 294/071, 297/21, 292/811, 292/814, 292/815, 294/69, 294/34, 269/296, 269/266, 269/329, 269/309, 269/310, 269/900
• US Class Current: 29/407.05
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 1/032 characterised by properties of the support surface
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 3/18 for positioning only
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 11/00 Work holders not covered by any preceding group in the subclass, e.g. magnetic work holders, vacuum work holders for holding or positioning work for welding, soldering, or cutting by applying heat locally B23K37/04; specially adapted to machine tools B23Q3/00
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/37162 Marker, reflector mounted on chuck, workpiece holder
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/37571 Camera detecting reflected light from laser
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/49025 By positioning plurality of rods, pins to form together a mold, maquette
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/50125 Configurable fixture, jig
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/50137 Contact in probe, touch probe to detect contact, touch trigger
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/50376 Workholder receives also parts to be assembled with work
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 269/90 Supporting structure having work holder receiving apertures or projections
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49771 Quantitative measuring or gauging
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49895 Associating parts by use of aligning means [e.g., use of a drift pin or a "fixture"]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53061 Responsive to work or work-related machine element
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53091 for work-holder for assembly or disassembly
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53961 with work-holder for assembly
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53978 including means to relatively position plural work parts

Abstract

A precision assembly table and method includes a plurality of rigid bars connected to adjustable support members which can individually adjust the position of the rigid bars above a surface and a frame to create a desired contour. The structure to be assembled, such as a magnetic levitation guideway, is positioned and held in place on top of the rigid bars which have been positioned so as to define a desired contour of the structure and to which the structure will mechanically conform. The position of the rigid bars is monitored and adjusted by a computer to maintain the desired contour while the structure resting on the rigid bars is being assembled.

Claims

1. A method of assembling a contoured structure comprising:

individually adjusting a plurality of rigid bars to the desired contoured surface of a portion of a structure on a precision assembly table comprising said plurality of rigid bars whose position is capable of individual adjustment to define said desired contoured surface;

positioning said portion of said structure on said plurality of rigid bars;

holding said portion of said structure in position on said plurality of rigid bars disposed to form the desired contour with a hold down fixture

such that said structure mechanically conforms to said contoured surface established by said plurality of rigid bars; and

connecting any remaining portions of said structure to said portion of said structure positioned on said precision assembly table after said portion of said structure has conformed to said desired contoured surface to form a contoured structure;

measuring the position of said rigid bars during assembly operations; and

adjusting the position of said rigid bars so that their position conforms to said desired contour.

2. The method in claim 1 further comprising monitoring the position of said rigid bars with position sensors connected to the ends of said rigid bars.

3. The method in claim 1 further comprising measuring the position of said rigid bars by applying a laser scan on reflectors connected to the ends of said rigid bars.

4. The method in claim 1 further comprising positioning said rigid bars with a computer.

5. A method of assembling a guideway for a magnetic levitation vehicle comprising:

individually adjusting a plurality of rigid bars to the desired contoured surface of a guide plate for said guideway on a precision assembly table comprising a plurality of rigid bars whose position is individually adjustable and that define a contoured surface;

positioning of said guide plate of said guideway on said plurality of rigid bars;

holding said guide plate of said guideway in position on said plurality of rigid bars disposed to form the desired contour with a hold down fixture

such that said guide plate mechanically conforms to said contoured surface established by said plurality of rigid bars;

welding stiffeners and support plates to said guide plate after it has conformed to said contoured surface to form a guideway;

measuring the position of said rigid bars during assembly operations; and

adjusting the position of said rigid bars so that their position conforms to the desired contour.

6. The method in claim 5 further comprising monitoring the position of said rigid bars with position sensors connected to the ends of said rigid bars.

7. The method in claim 5 further comprising measuring the position of said rigid bars by applying a laser scan on reflectors connected to the ends of said rigid bars.

8. The method in claim 5 further comprising positioning said rigid bars with a computer.