Automobile framing system
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
-
Apr 30, 2002
Issued Date -
N/A
app pub date -
May 9, 1997
filing date -
Jul 8, 1993
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
A framing system and framing device for assembling and welding a body-in-white. The framing system utilizes completely separate framing and welding operations, which are typically intermixed in conventional framing systems. The framing device is a unitary frame structure within which an underbody, side frames and other body components can each be supported and accurately positioned with respect to each other prior to the welding operation. The framing device includes a cart which serves as the base and main support for the framing device, and an upper body support member. Using an appropriate number of clamping devices, the net positions of the body components which constitute the body-in-white are properly established and maintained, such that gate fixtures are unnecessary during the welding operation. The structure of the framing device provides considerable access to the body-in-white supported within the interior of the framing device, such that a greater number of welding guns can be used during the welding operation. As a result, essentially all of the welds necessary to achieve and maintain the rigidity and geometry of the body-in-white can be formed during a single welding operation.
First Claim
Other Claims data not available