Utica Enterprises, Inc.

Savoy, Mark A.

Kline, John A.

John A Kline

Mark A Savoy

The present invention generally relates to a method and 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-Z coordinate system) for a body-in-white to direct associated tooling to create net attachment features on said rigid body frame so that components may be attached to said automotive body at a net location eliminating the need for any slip plane attachment techniques.

Method and apparatus for assembling exterior automotive vehicle body components onto an automotive vehicle body

An apparatus for finding and immobilizing a vehicle chassis frame in its free state to form a net datum position in the design-intent position. The chassis frame is positioned between a plurality of opposed pads. The opposed pads are advanced from a retracted position to an advanced position to find the chassis frame. The opposed pads engage the chassis frame such that there is minimal displacement or deformation thereof. Once the opposed pads find their respective reference contact surfaces on the chassis frame, a locking mechanism is provided for locking the pair of opposed pads in place in the advanced position so as to immobilize the chassis frame therebetween. Subsequently, a forming and piercing mechanism may be used to fabricate locating features net to the frame fixture and in design-intent position on the chassis frame.

Growing community of inventors

Cape Coral, FL, United States of America

John A Kline