Fori recently provided a drive-thru Automated Dynamic Alignment cell that adjusts camber and toe. The unique aligner handles two vehicle models with different geometry.
A summary of the challenges faced include:
Space constraints
Additional tooling requirements
Limited tryout parts & debug time
Providing customized module alignment equipment such as this begins with a concept engineering phase. A detailed engineering study is conducted to determine if the existing vehicle model could be aligned in the same aligner as the two new vehicle models. Once feasibility was determined, it was determined that the three models could not be run together. The result was a design, process and simulation that accommodated the two new models.
Outside of the space constraints on the project, which are always a challenge. Our engineering team was tasked with supporting two different modules within the same machine, which resulted in a substantial amount of investigation and engineering.
Delivery times are becoming more and more compressed, which reduces available debug time. The key to success on the project was analyzing every failure mode with precision in order to correct & provide results that would normally take substantially more debug time.Fori - Automated Module Alignment Equipment
Each module is aligned as it enters the station. The aligner knows which model is in the station based on a broadcast from the OEM, as well as position sensors placed in the machine, automatically initiating the correct tooling combinations.
The Fori module aligner is outfitted with unique per the vehicle frame locators, which aid in securing the part and ensuring proper adjustment of the toe & camber.
For more information on Fori's available equipment, please visit our website.
Cost effective, flexible Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) solutions have allowed automotive companies to implement a flexible, safe, reliable and repeatable material handling solution within their assembly processes.
The Fori Dock' N Lock AGVs were built to fit within existing plants and each plants respective material handling strategy. The AGVs were commissioned to replace non-value added material handling tasks. Specifically as a direct replacement for majority of fork lift traffic, creating a "fork free" environment.
Fori Automation - Dock N' Lock AGV for Automated Material Handling
The Dock N' Lock AGVs are responsible for auto-docking to the companion carts pictured above. The previous methodology utilizing fork lifts and pallets resulted in injury and product damage concerns. Utilization of the repeatable and accurate guidance, along with integrated safety has solved this problem.
The automated locking feature and cart interface design is what differentiates the Dock N' Lock AGV from standard Tuggers. The ability to automatically connect to the carts removes the need for operator interface and cart staging. The cart and Dock N' Lock design also allows the AGVs to be bi-directional, which results in greater long term layout flexibility. An overview video of the Fori Dock N' Lock and Tugger AGV can be found here.
A fully integrated Fori Vehicle Management System (VMS) is also provided with the system. The Fori VMS acts a traffic cop for the AGVs and manages the routing of 20+ AGVs in some cases. The VMS has the ability to track and store faults, monitor battery status and communication with automated work cells.
Fori more information on Fori's Automated Material Handling equipment please visit our website.
Fori Automation, Inc. designs, builds and integrates custom assembly and material handling systems for the Aerospace industry. Fori recently provided a turnkey Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) system for a large Aerospace OEM. The assembly system utilized a moving line methodology.
Fori Automation Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) for Aircraft Assembly and Material Handling
There were a number of design considerations for the AGVs provided. The AGVs were built with an emphasis on operator access and ease of use. The AGVs included integrated scissor lifts for cockpit assembly, as well as other operator platforms that aided in the assembly of the aircraft. The vehicles were required to move at very slow speeds, sometimes as slow as 20″ per hour. The system utilized a high voltage servo based controls architecture in order to meet the accuracy and speed requirements for the project.
A total of (18) Fori Aerospace AGVs were supplied for the system. A video outlining the manufacturing and assembly methods used for the aircraft assembly can be viewed here.
For more information please visit Fori Automation’s website.
