Method and apparatus for attaching a body panel to an automotive vehicle frame
AssigneeUtica Enterprises, Inc.
InventorMark A. Savoy
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved method and apparatus for attaching vehicle doors to a body such that the doors are attachable without further adjustment. A net body coordinate system is established for a welded vehicle frame, and upper and lower locating slots are pierced in hinge pillars of the vehicle frame relative to the net body coordinate system. An offline fixture is provided for setting upper and lower door hinges cross-car and forming a locating nubbin in the hinges relative to a door. The door is attached to the vehicle frame by engaging the locating nubbins in the door hinges with the locating slots in the vehicle hinge pillar.
Claims20
An apparatus for configuring at least one hinge relative to a door assembly for mounting said door assembly in an opening of a vehicle frame, said apparatus comprising:
- a door assembly defined by X, Y and Z coordinate axes, said door assembly comprising at least one hinge, said at least one hinge comprising a first hinge link having means for attachment to said door assembly and a second hinge link pivotally attached to said first hinge link, said second hinge link having a locating nubbin and means for attachment to said vehicle frame;
- means for setting said at least one hinge in any one of said X, Y and Z coordinate axes relative to said door assembly whereby said door assembly is aligned in said one of said X, Y and Z coordinate axis with said vehicle frame upon attachment thereto;
- and
- means for positioning said locating nubbin in the remaining of said X, Y and Z coordinate axes relative to said door assembly, whereby said door assembly is aligned in said second and third of said X, Y and Z coordinate axes with said vehicle frame upon attachment thereto.
An apparatus for attaching and aligning a door to a vehicle frame defined by X, Y and Z coordinate axes, said vehicle frame comprising:
- a vehicle frame having a hinge pillar, said hinge pillar further having at least one locating slot;
- means for establishing a net body coordinate system for said vehicle frame;
- means for establishing a net position of said at least one locating slot relative to said net body coordinate system such that said at least one locating slot is in a design intent position with respect to said net body coordinate system;
- a door assembly adapted to be attached to said vehicle frame, said door assembly comprising:
- an outer panel, an inner panel opposite said outer panel, and a peripheral edge;
- and
- at least one hinge attached to said door assembly, said at least one hinge comprising a first hinge link having means for attachment to said door assembly;
- and a second hinge link pivotally attached to said first hinge link, said second hinge link having a locating nubbin and means for attachment to said hinge pillar;
- means for setting said at least one hinge in any one of said X, Y and Z coordinate axes relative to said door assembly whereby said door assembly is aligned in said one of said X, Y and Z coordinate axes with said vehicle frame upon attachment thereto;
- and
- means for positioning said locating nubbin in a second and third of said X, Y and Z axes relative to said door assembly, whereby said door assembly is aligned in said second and third of said X, Y and Z axes with said vehicle frame upon attachment thereto.
A method for configuring at least one hinge relative to a door assembly for attachment of said door assembly to a vehicle frame, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a door assembly defined by X, Y and Z coordinate axes, said door assembly comprising at least one hinge attached to said door assembly, said at least one hinge comprising a first hinge link having means for attachment to said door assembly and a second hinge link pivotally attached to said first hinge link, said second hinge link having a locating nubbin and means for attachment to said vehicle frame;
- setting said at least one hinge in any one of said X, Y and Z coordinate axes relative to said door assembly whereby said door assembly is aligned in said one of said X, Y and Z coordinate axes with said vehicle frame upon attachment thereto;
- and
- forming said locating nubbin in a second and third of said X, Y and Z coordinate axes relative to said door assembly, whereby said door assembly is aligned in said second and third of said X, Y and Z coordinate axes with said vehicle frame upon attachment thereto.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.