Panel fixturing apparatus for locating and supporting automotive body panel, has automotive body panel comprising three extending channels receiving respective one of three spherically shaped contactors i.e. canoe ball contactor

摘要

The apparatus (10) has a support structure i.e. base plate (12) with three spherically shaped contactors i.e. canoe ball contactor. An automotive body panel (11) comprises three extending channels (38, 40, 42) that receive a respective one of the three spherically shaped contactors to locate and support the panel. A clamping arm (26) is operable to selectively retain one of the three channels with respect to the respective one of the three contactors. The arm comprises a pressure foot (44) that engages the panel. A compliant member is placed between the arm and the foot. An independent claim is also included for a method for fixturing a panel.