Panels-Off Coating Process and Carrier Utilizing Panel Rotation
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorJeffrey W. Bradsher
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A panels-off painting process and system adapted for use with a plurality of workpieces includes a carrier having a main platform, stationary support structures, and at least one rotatable assembly interconnected to the platform, configured so as to be caused to shift at least a portion of the workpieces between first and second orientations, and including a counterbalance that reduces the force necessary to cause the shift, and preferably further includes a retrofitted robotic arm programmably configured to apply a coat to the workpieces and subsequently engage the assembly so as to cause the shift.
Claims20
A method of supporting a plurality of workpieces, painting at least one target surface defined by each workpiece, and minimizing defects during painting, said method comprising:
- a. securing the workpieces with structural supports at a first location having an ambient temperature and humidity, so that at least a portion of the workpieces present a first orientation wherein the target surfaces are non-horizontal;
- b. applying a paint to each of the target surfaces so as to form a coat having a first thickness thereupon;
- c. rotating at least a portion of the supports within a first period, so that each of said at least portion of the workpieces achieve a second orientation, wherein the target surface of said each of said at least portion of the workpieces becomes generally horizontal, and securing said at least portion of the workpieces in the second orientation;
- and
- d. curing the coats, when the target surfaces are generally horizontal.
A transport carrier adapted for use with a plurality of workpieces, and during sequential transport, painting and curing processes, said carrier comprising:
- a main platform configured to support the workpieces during the processes;
- and
- at least one rotatable assembly fixedly connectable to at least a portion of the workpieces, pivotally connected to the platform, and configured to retain said at least portion of the workpieces in a first orientation relative to the platform during the transport and painting processes,
- said assembly being further configured so as to be caused to rotate said at least portion of the workpieces to a second orientation relative to the platform, and to fixedly retain said at least portion in the second orientation during the curing process.
A system adapted for use with a plurality of workpieces and during a painting process, said system comprising:
- a transport carrier including
- a main platform configured to support the workpieces during the process, and
- at least one assembly interconnecting the platform and at least a portion of the workpieces, and modifiable so as to cause said at least portion of the workpieces to shift between first and second orientations relative to the platform, when connected to the workpieces;
- a drive mechanism configured to transport the platform, said at least one assembly, and workpieces between first and second locations;
- and
- a programmable machine configured to engage the assembly, so as to cause said at least portion to shift from the first and to the second orientation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.