Modular assembly machine

Citation

Rigelsford, J. (2002), "Modular assembly machine", Assembly Automation, Vol. 22 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2002.03322bad.009

Modular assembly machine

Keyword: Assembly

Applicant: Swanson Systems Inc., USAPatent number: US6,036,003Publication date: 14 March 2000Title: Modular assembly machine

This patent relates to a reconfigurable linear assembly machine which has a number of identical support modules. These modules may be selectively installed or removed at locations in the assembly machine to add or remove certain manufacturing processes and assembly steps.

The reconfigurable assembly machine includes: a rigid platform; a plurality of identical modular supports which are arranged in an aligned, adjacent, longitudinally extending configuration; a number of links which form a continuous re-circulating chain that can receive product fixtures; a chain drive module and idle module located at opposite ends of the linear assembly. The identical modules can have diverse work station equipment placed on them which may be quickly assembled into or removed from the machine to reconfigure it for various manufacturing tasks. The chain drive module also supplies rotary motion to the support modules and associated, diverse work station equipment, and translates product fixtures and performs manufacturing and assembly operations in timed relationship to one another.