US 5,904,242 A · Modular assembly machine

Abstract

A reconfigurable assembly machine includes a rigid platform, a plurality of identical modular supports which are arranged in an aligned, adjacent, longitudinally extending configuration, a plurality of links which form a continuous, recirculating chain and receive product fixtures, a chain drive module and idle module disposed at opposite ends of the longitudinally extending configuration of modular supports for translating the plurality of links and product fixtures and a plurality of work stations disposed on respective ones of the plurality of modular supports. The chain drive module also provides drive energy to the work stations in order that fabrication and assembly steps performed by such work stations occur in proper timed relationship to other steps and to movement of the chain and product fixtures. A particular modular support and associated work station may be readily installed and assembled with or removed from the assembly machine in order to add or remove a certain manufacturing function or assembly task.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A rectangular frame module for a reconfigurable assembly machine comprising, in combination,

at least one top section defining a pair of spaced-apart channels,
a pair of upper longitudinal sections, at least one of said upper longitudinal sections having a plurality of openings for receiving fasteners,
a pair of upper transverse sections each including a pair of intersecting channels adapted to receive registration rails,
a pair of lower transverse sections each including a channel adapted to receive a registration rail, and
members connecting said upper sections and said lower transverse sections.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Modular assembly machine

Life of this patent

Modular assembly machine

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23