PROCESS OF POSITIONING AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS

摘要

A process and system for measuring, positioning and welding a bracket 30 to a mounting surface, such as a vehicle side rail 40, to accomplish smooth and continuous bracket assembly. A bracket positioning tool 20 on a robotic arm 10 allows brackets 30 to adjust to minimize the gap between the bracket 30 and its intended mounting surface. The bracket positioning tool 20 positions brackets 30 near the surface, and allows brackets 30 to adjust for a precise surface match. With input from a second measurement, a welding robot 50 welds the bracket 30 to the surface with the gap minimized while the bracket 30 is held in position. The measurement system and bracket positioning with flexible tooling do not require the bracket 30 to be forced with pressure against the mounting surface. With robots, brackets can be consistently placed and welded in precise locations on varying mounting surfaces.