US 12,226,862 B2 · Spring compression tool

Abstract

The present disclosure describes an adaptive spring compression tool that streamlines and partially automates the joining of a vehicle suspension system with a vehicle body on an assembly line. The spring compression tool can be modified and programmed to accommodate various vehicle models, products, and design modifications without replacing the entire tooling system. Additionally, the spring compression tool of the present disclosure has a structure, a function, and an operation that facilitates the compression of a spring without exerting large forces on the vehicle body. In various embodiments, the spring compression tool comprises at least two independent drives that adjust the compression of a spring and the position of a suspension system to achieve a car line position with the vehicle body.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A spring compression tool used to marry a first assembly to a second assembly via a spring, the spring compression tool comprising:

a frame defining an X/Y plane;
a spring clamping unit movably attached to the frame, the spring clamping unit having a clamp with a clamp head, the clamp head movable in a Z-direction relative to the frame;
a moveable frame moveably connected to the frame, the moveable frame movable in the Z-direction relative to the frame;
one or more supports mounted on the moveable frame and configured to hold the first assembly;
and
one or more control systems operable to compress a spring held in the clamp head and move the clamp head in the Z-direction to adjust a height of the spring held within the spring clamping unit in real-time fashion to achieve a desired spring height during marriage of the first assembly to the second assembly.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Spring compression tool

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Spring compression tool

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18