Tesla Receives U.S. Patent for Automated Assembly Process
Tesla has received a U.S. patent for a "system and method for assembling exterior vehicle parts to a vehicle assembly structure." Illustration courtesy U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
WASHINGTON—Tesla Inc. has been issued a U.S. patent (No.12,420,879 B1) for an “automated exterior vehicle part assembly using global datum.” According to the filing documents, it relates to a “system and method for assembling exterior vehicle parts to a vehicle assembly structure. The system utilizes an automated assembly cell with fixtures corresponding to each exterior vehicle part and references a global datum for precise alignment.
“Exterior vehicle parts are secured to fixtures using vacuum clamps or other means, and a structural adhesive is applied to either the part or a part-receiving location on the vehicle assembly structure. The parts are then moved into their nominal positions relative to the global datum, thereby compressing the adhesive and completing the installation.
“The method improves assembly efficiency by compensating for substructure irregularities with an engineered adhesive gap and allows for continued assembly during adhesive curing through tacking operations. This technology streamlines the vehicle assembly process, enhances quality, and increases production rates by reducing manual labor and potential for error.
“An automated system helps put together the outside parts of vehicles more efficiently. It uses special fixtures for each part and a reference point to ensure everything is aligned correctly. Parts are held in place with vacuum clamps, and adhesive is applied to secure them.
“The system allows for adjustments to account for any irregularities in the vehicle's structure while still letting assembly continue as the adhesive sets. Overall, this technology makes the assembly process faster, improves quality and reduces the need for manual work.”
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