METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ESTABLISHING THE POSITION OF A DATUM REFERENCE FROM AN OBJECT HAVING DIMENSIONAL VARIATIONS WITHIN A TOLERANCE RANGE

摘要

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREA device for locating a datum reference on a partially assembledstructural object, such as an automobile body frame. The device has a basestructure for rigid mounting to a floor member, a transfer platform isattached to the base structure so that the transfer platform has freedom ofmovement in a first horizontal direction, a support structure is attached tothe transfer platform so that it has freedom of movement therewith in ahorizontal direction perpendicular to be first horizontal direction, a ver-tical slide support mechanism attached to the support structure and movabletherewith in a vertical direction, fluid actuated stop member for lockingthe horizontal and vertical movements of the device when a certain locationin space, as dictated by the automobile body, has been attained. A workperforming tool attached to the vertical slide support mechanism so that thetool can move into and out of engagement with the automobile body. Themethod of fixing one or more datum positions as determined by the objectbeing worked on is also disclosed.