Utica Enterprises, Inc.

Utica Entreprises, Inc.

Savoy, Mark A.

Morgan, Phillip J.

Kline, John A.

Mark A Savoy

Phillip J I Morgan

David A Macri

Thomas J Carter

John A Kline

Phillip J Morgan

Phillip JI Morgan

Apparatus () and a method for securing a clinch nut () to an AHSS sheet () as an assembly (). In one embodiment, a parallel kinematic machine (PKM) () sequentially performs the operation, while another embodiment includes a nut ram assembly () that attaches clinch nuts () to the AHSS sheet (), and a further embodiment includes a C frame () that supports the apparatus and is moved by a robot () to sequentially attach clinch nuts () to the AHSS sheet () at different locations. The attachment of the clinch nuts is performed in a manner that contains laser beam radiation.

Apparatus and method for securing a clinch nut to a sheet of advanced high strength steel

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

Apparatus and method for mechanically joining advanced high strength steel

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

Assembly station for vehicle body door assembly

Method station for vehicle body door assembly

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.

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

A vehicle body assembly line locator assembly () includes locators () driven by horizontal longitudinal X, horizontal sideways Y and vertical Z power operated actuators () and having locator pins () received by vehicle body positioning holes () upon upward movement to provide accurate positioning. As the locator pins () are moved upwardly and initially move into the vehicle body positioning holes (), the horizontal power operated actuators () are back driven. The upward movement is continued so that vertical rest surfaces () of locator heads () contact the vehicle body () 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.

Assembly line vehicle body positioning

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.

A method and apparatus for forming attachment pads in an inner body panel for the precise attachment of an outer body panel thereto. The apparatus positions a fixed anvil at a predefined net reference position while a face plate simultaneously 'finds' the panel and is mechanically locked into position. Thereafter, the apparatus forms the inner body panel between a forming die and the fixed anvil. The face plate maintains the location of the surface metal around the die, resulting in the formation of a raised pad the outermost surface of which is at the predefined net reference position. A single such apparatus can form raised pads having different predefined net reference positions for different attachment locations. A reciprocating punch having a variable stroke length selectively provides either a hole or a slot in the raised pad.

Programmable apparatus and method for body panel attachment

A method and apparatus for forming attachment pads on a panel for attachment of a clinch nut thereto. The panel is formed between a forming die and a fixed anvil, which occupies a predefined net reference position. A face plate simultaneously 'finds' the panel and is mechanically locked into position using a novel force applying device. The face plate maintains the location of the surface metal around the forming die, thereby forming a raised pad at the predefined net reference position. The novel force applying device includes self-contained piston modules positioned in tandem. Each module includes a housing having a void and a piston mounted within the void. The piston includes a driven and drive surfaces, wherein fluid pressure acts against the driven surface to drive the piston in an advanced direction such that the drive surface of the piston abuts another piston for cumulative effect.

Programmable apparatus and method for body panel and clinch nut attachment

A vehicle body assembly line () and method for assembling vehicle bodies utilizes electromagnetic gauging apparatus () to generate production gauge data of an assembly of formed sheet metal components, and an electrical controller () compares the production gauge data to design gauge data to detect any production deviation and is electrically connected to the assembly line to adjust the assembly of the formed sheet metal body components to correct any production deviation detected.

Assembly line and method for vehicle body manufacturing

An improved method and apparatus for attaching vehicle doors to a body such that the doors are attachable without further adjustment. A net body coordinate system is established for a welded vehicle frame, and upper and lower locating slots are pierced in hinge pillars of the vehicle frame relative to the net body coordinate system. An offline fixture is provided for setting upper and lower door hinges cross-car and forming a locating nubbin in the hinges relative to a door. The door is attached to the vehicle frame by engaging the locating nubbins in the door hinges with the locating slots in the vehicle hinge pillar.

Method and apparatus for attaching a body panel to an automotive vehicle frame

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.

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Metamora, MI, United States of America

Mark A Savoy