Putting the wind into airbags

Assembly Automation

ISSN: 0144-5154

Article publication date: 1 June 2000

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Keywords

Citation

(2000), "Putting the wind into airbags", Assembly Automation, Vol. 20 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2000.03320baf.007

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2000, MCB UP Limited


Putting the wind into airbags

Putting the wind into airbags

Keywords: Assembly lines, Car

Gravatom Engineering Systems Ltd has provided airbag assembly lines, with full component traceability, for the production of both the new Rover 75 and the new Ford Transit (see Plate 8).

Throughout the process, each machine operation is automatically monitored, to ensure the correct assembly sequence, and logged within an accumulative component/assembly traceability system. This system generates an electronic record of all the individual components and forms an auditable, quality control trail as they are assembled to become the finished airbag unit.

Plate 8Gravatom Engineering Systems Ltd has provided airbag assembly lines

The first machine in the assembly line attaches a pressurised gas generator to an unfolded bag, before accurately folding the bag to a predetermined fold pattern.

During the second machine's operation, the traceability system first registers the components' identities to ensure that everything is in place. The folded airbag and generator are then transferred to the steering wheel centre moulding where they are pressed together. A steel backplate is then placed on to the rear of the assembly and fastened by a ring of six nuts using a powered screwdriver which features integral torque monitoring. The sequence of nut tightening is controlled by a clever system which monitors the position of the screwdriver, only allowing it to run when it is over the correct nut.

Finally the completed assembly is placed within a nest and subjected to an automated test cycle, before a finished bar code label is generated which contains the accumulative identity of all of the constituent parts.

For further information please contact: Lisa Lavis, Gravatom Engineering Systems Limited, William Kelvin Building, Claylands Road, Bishops Waltham, Hampshire S032 1BH, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1489 896010; Fax: +44 (0) 1489 894382; E-mail: DBarker@gravatom.com; Web site: www.gravatom.com

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