Ronald B Link

US Patent:

61123935, Sep 5, 2000

Filed:

Oct 2, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/165478

Inventors:

Mark Schlegel - Cranberry Township PA
Jerry P. Rihel - Grove City PA
Lawrence T. Monocello - Erie PA
Ronald L. Link - Grove City PA
John A. Duzyk - Edinburg PA

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

B23Q 1700
G01M 1900

US Classification:

2940701

Abstract:

A process for assembling an engine from an engine frame includes the steps of defining a plurality of work steps necessary to assemble the engine. Each of the work steps has associated therewith a time period for carrying out that work step. A sequence of work steps is established to effect complete assembly of the engine. A plurality of work stations is defined, including a first work station and a last work station, for carrying out the work steps. Each work station includes at least one of the work steps and defines an assembly sequence. Work steps are allocated within the work stations in the assembly sequence to effect an aggregate of the time periods at each station for carrying out the work steps within that work station. The aggregate is about equal to respective aggregates of time periods at each of the other stations for carrying out the work steps within these other work stations. An engine frame is conveyed through the work stations, and the work steps are performed on the engine frame at each of said work stations in the established sequence to complete assembly of the engine.