Method for adjusting assembly jig

A method for adjusting an assembly jig comprising a jig frame, a plurality of workpiece supports provided in the jig frame for supporting a workpiece, and a separate actuator for moving each workpiece support relative to the jig frame, the method comprising:

• a) operating a position measurement device to determine the coordinates of fixed reference points of the jig frame;
• b) establishing preset coordinates of a measurement reference point of each workpiece support relative to the fixed reference points;
• c) operating the position measurement device to determine the measured coordinates of each measurement reference point relative to the fixed reference points;
• d) determining the deviation of the measured coordinates of each measurement reference point from the preset coordinates of the measurement reference point;
• and
• e) operating the actuator, as needed, to adjust the position of each workpiece support so that the deviation of the measured coordinates of each measurement reference point from the preset coordinates of the measurement reference point is no greater than a predetermined value.

A system for positioning a workpiece, the system comprising:

• a jig frame;
• a workpiece support provided in the jig frame for supporting a workpiece;
• an actuator for moving the workpiece support relative to the jig frame;
• a position measurement device for determining (1) the coordinates of fixed reference points of the jig frame and (2) the measured coordinates of a measurement reference point of the workpiece support relative to the fixed reference points;
• means for establishing preset coordinates of the measurement reference point relative to the fixed reference points;
• means for determining the deviation of the measured coordinates of the measurement reference point from the preset coordinates of the measurement reference point;
• and
• means for operating the actuator, as needed, to adjust the position of the workpiece support so that the deviation of the measured coordinates of the measurement reference point from the preset coordinates of the measurement reference point is no greater than a predetermined value.