Integrated vehicle part delivery and build system
First Claim
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1. A method for providing coordinated component delivery for use in a predetermined random build sequence in vehicle manufacturing assembly lines, the method comprising the steps of:
- gathering a plurality of individual vehicle build components for at least a first and a second vehicle type, the first vehicle type different than the second vehicle type;
loading selected of the vehicle build components for one of the first vehicle type on one of a plurality of first movable carriages;
loading selected of the vehicle build components for one of the second vehicle type on another one of the plurality of first carriages;
sequencing each of the plurality of first carriages loaded with respective of the first vehicle or the second vehicle type vehicle build components in sequential order such that the respective loaded first carriages coordinate with a predetermined sequence of the at least first and second vehicle types to be assembled;
supporting the first or second vehicle type to be progressively assembled with the respective first carriage supporting the loaded vehicle build components for the respective first or second vehicle type;
progressively moving each first carriage loaded with respective of the first vehicle or second vehicle type vehicle build components along a path of the vehicle build; and
progressively removing selected of the vehicle build components from the respective first carriages at a plurality of build stations along the assembly line to progressively assemble at least a portion of the respective first and second vehicle types.
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Abstract
A device and method for assembling parts, products or machines in a random build order that integrates or combines the delivery of loose components to be assembled on a carriage that itself supports the device being assembled along an assembly line path of travel. The loose parts onboard the carriage that also supports the device being progressively assembled substantially improves the logistics in an assembly plant and efficiency in building the part, product or device, for example a vehicle sheet metal body.
23 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for providing coordinated component delivery for use in a predetermined random build sequence in vehicle manufacturing assembly lines, the method comprising the steps of:
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gathering a plurality of individual vehicle build components for at least a first and a second vehicle type, the first vehicle type different than the second vehicle type; loading selected of the vehicle build components for one of the first vehicle type on one of a plurality of first movable carriages; loading selected of the vehicle build components for one of the second vehicle type on another one of the plurality of first carriages; sequencing each of the plurality of first carriages loaded with respective of the first vehicle or the second vehicle type vehicle build components in sequential order such that the respective loaded first carriages coordinate with a predetermined sequence of the at least first and second vehicle types to be assembled; supporting the first or second vehicle type to be progressively assembled with the respective first carriage supporting the loaded vehicle build components for the respective first or second vehicle type; progressively moving each first carriage loaded with respective of the first vehicle or second vehicle type vehicle build components along a path of the vehicle build; and progressively removing selected of the vehicle build components from the respective first carriages at a plurality of build stations along the assembly line to progressively assemble at least a portion of the respective first and second vehicle types. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for providing coordinated component delivery for use in a predetermined random build sequence in vehicle manufacturing assembly lines, the method comprising the steps of:
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gathering a plurality of individual vehicle build components for at least a first and a second vehicle type, the first vehicle type different than the second vehicle type; loading selected of the vehicle build components for one of the first vehicle type on one of a plurality of movable carriages; loading selected of the vehicle build components for one of the second vehicle type on another one of the plurality of carriages; sequencing each of the plurality of carriages in sequential order such that the respective carriages loaded vehicle build components coordinate with a predetermined sequence of the at least first and second vehicle types to be assembled; loading a partially completed first or second vehicle type on a deck portion of the carriage, the deck portion positioned adjacent to at least one rack hanger and moveable relative to the rack hanger; supporting the first or second vehicle type to be progressively assembled with the respective carriage supporting the loaded vehicle build components for the respective first or second vehicle type; progressively moving each carriage loaded with the respective vehicle build components along a path of the vehicle build; and progressively removing selected of the vehicle build components from the respective carriages at a plurality of build stations along the assembly line to progressively assemble at least a portion of the respective first and second vehicle types. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification