IMPROVED FIXTURE AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING STRUCTURES

摘要

An improved fixture and method for assembling a structure, wherein the improved fixture (14) comprises a frame (20) and a pair of position compliance devices (21) The compliance devices are attached to a selected one of the ends of the fixture frame for engagement with the arms of a selected one of a headstock (10) and a tailstock (11) used to rotate the fixture and structure to be assembled. The compliance devices each comprise a slidable block (26) having a locating pin (28) rotatably mounted therein, which enables the fixture to be accurately and removably positioned between a headstock and a tailstock, serving to reduce unwanted stress on the fixture and the structure to be assembled during rotation. Removability of the fixture and structure to be assembled facilitates convenient loading/unloading of the structure and 360 degree access to the structure and fixture by an operator.