METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMMOBILIZING A FRAMING STRUCTURE INITS FREE STATE TO ESTABLISH A NET DATUM POSITION THEREOF

摘要

An apparatus and method for immobilizing a vehicle chassis frame (10) in its free state atop a frame fixture (22B) so as to establish a net datum position of the chassis frame (10) for enabling a net datum feature to be fabricated in a location net to the fixture and in design-intent position on the chassis frame (10). The apparatus does not compressingly clamp any portion of the chassis frame (10) in order to avoid deforming or displacing the chassis frame (10) to avoid building stress into the chassis frame (10) or incurring springback of the chassis frame (10). The chassis frame (10) is interposed between a pair of opposed pads (52A) used for contacting opposite portions of the chassis frame (10). A work support (30) connects to each of the opposed pads (52A) for advancing the opposed pads (52A) from a retracted position to an advanced position to find opposite portions of the chassis frame (10).