SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A TOP MOUNT

摘要

A system and method for manufacturing a top mount for a vehicle suspension includes loading a top mount body, a journal, and a plurality of knurled studs into a lower die assembly. The lower die assembly includes a stationary die base, a floating die top, and a pusher shaft. A pusher head assembly applies a downward pressure to insert the knurled studs into the top mount body, while the pusher shaft substantially simultaneously applies an upward pressure to insert the journal into the top mount body. The floating die top and the pusher head assembly are raised in tandem to eject the top mount from the stationary die base. The floating die top and the pusher head assembly then retract so that the top mount can be removed from the system.

主权项

1. A system for manufacturing a top mount of a vehicle suspension, comprising:
a floating die top configured to receive a top mount body, the top mount body having a journal opening and a plurality of stud holes with a plurality of knurled studs removably disposed therein, the floating die top having a primary opening and a plurality of secondary openings formed therethrough, the primary opening configured to receive and align a journal adjacent the journal opening of the top mount body; a stationary die base having a plurality of crimp blocks, the crimp blocks disposed in the secondary openings of the floating die top, the floating die top slidably disposed over the crimp blocks, each of the crimp blocks configured to receive one of the knurled studs; a pusher head assembly configured to selectively move to and from a resting position and a crimping position, the pusher head assembly in the crimping position contacting the knurled studs to press the knurled studs into the top mount body and to cause the crimp blocks of the stationary die base to crimp the top mount body adjacent the knurled studs to thereby affix the knurled studs to the top mount body; and a pusher shaft configured to selectively move to and from a retracted position and an inserting position through the stationary die base, the pusher shaft in the inserting position contacting and advancing the journal into the journal opening of the top mount body to thereby affix the journal to the top mount body.