×

Sequenced part delivery system

  • US 8,869,370 B2
  • Filed: 06/02/2011
  • Issued: 10/28/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method for providing coordinated part delivery in a predetermined random build sequence for use in manufacturing assembly lines, the method comprising the steps of:

  • predetermining a sequence order of specific vehicles to be assembled, the sequence order including a random combination of at least a first vehicle style and a second vehicle style, the first vehicle style different from the second vehicle style;

    gathering a plurality of individual vehicle build components for at least the first vehicle style and the second vehicle style;

    loading selected of the gathered vehicle build components for one of the first vehicle style on one of a plurality of movable kit carts and selected of the gathered vehicle build components for one of the second vehicle style on another of the plurality of kit carts in an order matching the sequence order;

    sequencing each of the plurality of loaded kit carts in sequential order such that its vehicle build components coordinate with a vehicle style to be assembled;

    successively placing each of the plurality of loaded kit carts in proximity to a coordinating vehicle style to be assembled along at least one vehicle assembly line; and

    progressively moving each loaded kit cart along with its coordinating vehicle style along the at least one assembly line and progressively removing selected vehicle build components therefrom at build stations along the at least one assembly line to progressively assemble at least a portion of a vehicle;

    wherein the step of moving each loaded kit cart along the at least one assembly line further comprises the steps of;

    moving a loaded kit cart along a first and a second assembly lineprogressively removing selected vehicle build components from a first side of the loaded kit cart at build stations along the first assembly line,upon reaching an end of the first assembly line, maneuvering the loaded kit cart to expose a second side of the loaded kit cart to the second assembly line, andprogressively removing selected vehicle build components from the second side of the loaded kit cart at build stations along the second assembly line.

View all claims
  • 2 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×