Abstract: Apparatus (20) and a method for securing a clinch nut (24) to an AHSS sheet (26) as an assembly (22). In one embodiment, a parallel kinematic machine (PKM) (88) sequentially performs the operation, while another embodiment includes a nut ram assembly (112) that attaches clinch nuts (24) to the AHSS sheet (26), and a further embodiment includes a C frame (114) that supports the apparatus and is moved by a robot (130) to sequentially attach clinch nuts (24) to the AHSS sheet (26) at different locations. The attachment of the clinch nuts is performed in a light-safe manner.

Abstract: A method for mechanically joining steel applies a variable clamp force to a stack of sheet metal portions, which include at least one portion of advanced high strength steel (AHSS). The stack is heated to an optimal mechanical joining temperature to preserve the strength and material properties of the stack and to form a mechanical joint with the advanced high strength steel. A tool and system for performing the method, and a joint assembly formed by the method are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus (20, 22) and a method for mechanically joining a steel sheet portion (28 or 32) of advanced high strength steel to a metallic sheet portion (30 or 34) is performed to a light-safe extent by a detector assembly (106) during the mechanical joining that may be clinching, clinch riveting, full-punch riveting or self-piercing riveting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) provide light-safe heating of advanced high strength steel metallic sheet(s) (28 and/or 30) for securement of metallic sheets by flow fasteners (31).

Abstract: A method and assembly station (12) for assembling vehicle body doors (22) utilizes sensing of vehicle body hinge members (26) and door hinge members (28) with the door positioned by a robot (16) to provide assembly with reduced labor cost.

Abstract: A method and assembly station (12) for assembling vehicle body doors (22) utilizes sensing of vehicle body hinge members (26) and door hinge members (28) with the door positioned by a robot (16) to provide assembly with reduced labor cost.

Abstract: Apparatus (20, 22) and a method for mechanically joining a steel sheet portion (28 or 32) of advanced high strength steel to a metallic sheet portion (30 or 34) is performed to a light-safe extent by a detector assembly (106) during the mechanical joining that may be clinching, clinch riveting, full-punch riveting or self-piercing riveting.

Abstract: A method and assembly station (12) for assembling vehicle body doors (22) utilizes sensing of vehicle body hinge members (26) and door hinge members (28) with the door positioned by a robot (16) to provide assembly with reduced labor cost.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) and a method for securing a clinch nut (24) to an AHSS sheet (26) as an assembly (22). In one embodiment, a parallel kinematic machine (PKM) (88) sequentially performs the operation, while another embodiment includes a nut ram assembly (112) that attaches clinch nuts (24) to the AHSS sheet (26), and a further embodiment includes a C frame (114) that supports the apparatus and is moved by a robot (130) to sequentially attach clinch nuts (24) to the AHSS sheet (26) at different locations. The attachment of the clinch nuts is performed in a light-safe manner.

Abstract: A method and assembly station (12) for assembling vehicle body doors (22) utilizes sensing of vehicle body hinge members (26) and door hinge members (28) with the door positioned by a robot (16) to provide assembly with reduced labor cost.

Abstract: Apparatus (20, 22) and a method for mechanically joining a steel sheet portion (28 or 32) of advanced high strength steel to a metallic sheet portion (30 or 34) is performed to a light-safe extent by a detector assembly (106) during the mechanical joining that may be clinching, clinch riveting, full-punch riveting or self-piercing riveting.

Abstract: Apparatus (20, 22) and a method for mechanically joining a steel sheet portion (28 or 32) of advanced high strength steel to a metallic sheet portion (30 or 34) is performed to a light-safe extent by a detector assembly (106) during the mechanical joining that may be clinching, clinch riveting, full-punch riveting or self-piercing riveting.

Abstract: A work station (10) and method for joining metallic sheets (12, 14) by a framework (24) that supports and positions a parallel kinematic machine (PKM) (40) including a tripod (46) having struts (48) of adjustable lengths for supporting a punch (52) that cooperates with an anvil (22) to provide clenching or self-piercing riveting that joins the metallic sheets.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and programmable apparatus for the assembly of body components to an automotive body that has undergone a progressive series of framing and welding steps so as to produce a structurally rigid body frame, termed a body-in-white. More specifically, this invention relates to creating a new net locating scheme (X, Y and Z Cartesian coordinate system) for a body-in-white to direct associated tooling to create net attachment features on a rigid body frame with respect to a new net locating scheme so that components may be attached to a automotive body at a net location eliminating the need for any slip plane attachment techniques.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly line locator assembly (16) includes locators (18) driven by horizontal longitudinal X, horizontal sideways Y and vertical Z power operated actuators (50. 58. 72) and having locator pins (82) received by vehicle body positioning holes (84) upon upward movement to provide accurate positioning. As the locator pins (82) are moved upwardly and initially move into the vehicle body positioning holes (84 ), the horizontal power operated actuators (50,58) are back driven. The upward movement is continued so that vertical rest surfaces (80) of locator heads (78) contact the vehicle body (20) and provide lifting thereof upwardly off a system conveyor, and the power operated actuators then move the vehicle body to the proper positioning for further assembly.

Abstract: A method and assembly line (10) for vehicle door mounting provides initial door installation for painting and subsequent reinstallation as previously positioned.

Abstract: Vehicle body assembly line apparatus includes a plurality of work pallets (14) having locators (18) with locator members (36) that are adjustable by a grab member (40) on each at a remote location below a vertical rest surface (37) mounted on each locator member. An adjusting station (16) provides either automatic adjustment of the adjustable locators (18) by one or more robots (52) or manual adjustment of the adjustable locators (18). A sensor (58) senses the location of a positioning target (56) on each locator member (36) at a known location from the vertical rest surface (37) and any locator pin (38) mounted thereon and generates a deviation signal when the positioning is not within a design tolerance. A control (60) readjusts the appropriate locator (18) as necessary to the design tolerance range.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly line locator assembly (16) includes locators (18) having locator pins (82) received by vehicle body positioning holes (84) upon upward movement to provide accurate positioning. As the locator pins (82) are moved upwardly and initially move into the vehicle body positioning holes (84), horizontal power actuators (50,58) are deactuated to permit back driving of the locator pins to permit full insertion. The upward movement is continued so that vertical rest surfaces (80) of locator heads (78) contact the vehicle body (20) and provide lifting thereof upwardly off a system conveyor, and the power actuators then move the vehicle body to the proper positioning for further assembly.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and programmable apparatus for the assembly of body components to an automotive body that has undergone a progressive series of framing and welding steps so as to produce a structurally rigid body frame, termed a body-in-white. More specifically, this invention relates to creating a new net locating scheme (X, Y and Z Cartesian coordinate system) for a body-in-white to direct associated tooling to create net attachment features on a rigid body frame with respect to a new net locating scheme so that components may be attached to a automotive body at a net location eliminating the need for any slip plane attachment techniques.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and programmable apparatus for the assembly of body components to an automotive body that has undergone a progressive series of framing and welding steps so as to produce a structurally rigid body frame, termed a body-in-white. More specifically, this invention relates to creating a new net locating scheme (X-Y and Z Cartesian coordinate system) for a body-in-white to direct associated tooling to create net attachment features on a rigid body frame with respect to a new net locating scheme so that components may be attached to an automotive body at a net location eliminating the need for any slip plane attachment techniques.