Mobile module for transportating a carrier from a first modular line to second modular line

Abstract

A manufacturing line includes a first line and a second line. The first line includes a first plurality of stationary modules positioned in series and defining a first path through the first line, and a first friction drive system for transporting an article along the first path. The second line includes a second plurality of stationary modules positioned in series and defining a second path through the second line. The second line also includes a second friction drive system for transporting the article along the second path. A mobile module is supported by ground-engaging elements and includes a third friction drive system for transporting the article along a third path defined by the mobile module. The mobile module is movable between a first position defining a first continuous path along the first path and third path, and a second position defining a second continuous path along the second path and the third path.

1 . A manufacturing line, comprising:
 a first line including a first plurality of stationary modules positioned in series and defining a first path through the first line, the first line including a first friction drive system for transporting an article along the first path;   a second line including a second plurality of stationary modules positioned in series and defining a second path through the second line, the second line including a second friction drive system for transporting the article along the second path; and   a mobile module supported by ground-engaging elements and including a third friction drive system for transporting the article along a third path defined by the mobile module, the mobile module being movable between a first position defining a first continuous path along the first path and third path, and a second position defining a second continuous path along the second path and the third path.   
     
     
         2 . The manufacturing line of  claim 1 , wherein the second path is discontinuous with the third path in the first position of the mobile module, and the first path is discontinuous with the third path in the second position of the mobile module. 
     
     
         3 . The manufacturing line of  claim 2 , wherein each of the first line, the second line, and the mobile module includes a composite beam, the composite beam including an upper rail and a lower track connected through a plurality of spaced apart transverse members, the lower track defining two parallel channels. 
     
     
         4 . The manufacturing line of  claim 3 , wherein the article is supported on a carrier, the carrier being supported by at least one trolley. 
     
     
         5 . The manufacturing line of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one trolley includes an upper set of wheels and a lower set of wheels, the lower set of wheels being received within the two parallel channels. 
     
     
         6 . The manufacturing line of  claim 5 , wherein each of the first friction drive system, the second friction drive system, and the third friction drive system includes a drive tube positioned between the upper rail and the lower track such that the upper set of wheels are in frictional engagement with the drive tube. 
     
     
         7 . The manufacturing line of  claim 1 , wherein the mobile module is positioned within an enclosed portion of a vehicle. 
     
     
         8 . A method of operating a manufacturing line, including:
 transporting an article from a first line to a second line, at least in part, by:   supporting the article on a carrier, the carrier being supported by a trolley assembly;   moving the trolley assembly along a first path defined by the first line using a first friction drive system;   moving the trolley assembly from the first path to a second path defined by a mobile module using the first friction drive system and a second friction drive system of the mobile module when the mobile module is in a first position, wherein the first path is continuous with the second path in the first position;   transporting the mobile module from the first position to a second position; and   moving the trolley assembly from the second path to a third path defined by the second line using the second friction drive system and a third friction drive system of the second line when the mobile module is in the second position, wherein the second path is continuous with the third path in the second position.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further including creating a discontinuity between the second path and the third path in the first position of the mobile module, and creating a discontinuity between the first path and the second path in the second position of the mobile module. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further including supporting a weight carried by the trolley assembly with a composite beam including an upper rail and a lower track connected through a plurality of spaced apart transverse support members. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of moving the trolley assembly from the first path to the second path includes aligning a first material handling system of the first line and a second material handling system of the mobile module. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the step of moving the trolley assembly from the second path to the third path includes aligning a third material handling system of the second line and the second material handling system of the mobile module. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the step of transporting the mobile module from the first position to the second position includes transporting the mobile module within an enclosed portion of a vehicle. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , further including storing the article within a storage buffer of one of the first line and the second line. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further including maintaining the article on the carrier and the trolley assembly during the supporting, moving, transporting, and storing steps.