A family of parallel kinematic machines based on a new machine element is introduced with the focus on fixturing application in the automotive body shop. The paper describes the design, optimization, verification and application of modular machines with 3 and 4 spatial degrees of freedom with focus on concept and optimization. One core element of the system is a parallel kinematic machine, FlexPLP ('Flexible, programmable, lean positioner'). A modular PKM family has been introduced that is built around a new machine element, a variable length parallelogram that can pivot around 2 axes. A twisting procedure has been introduced that leads to a more compact machine of Deltapod architecture. A first application has been demonstrated, where a number of twisted Deltapods act as underbody fixtures in a flexible assembly line for car bodies. This new machine concept shows promising advantages over previously known concepts, and commercialization is on its way.
Modular parallel kinematic machines for automotive fixturing
2008
9 Seiten, 7 Bilder, 10 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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