Search Results

Geometry Tree is a term describing the product assembly structure and the manufacturing process for the product. The concept refers to the assembly structure of the final vehicle (the Part Tree) and the assembly process and tools for the final product (the Process Tree). In the past few years, the Geometry Tree-based quality process was piloted in the FCA US LLC assembly plants and has since evolved into a standardized quality control process. In the Part Tree process, the coordinated measurements and naming convention are enforced throughout the different levels of detailed products to sub-assemblies and measurement processes. The Process Tree, on the other hand, includes both prominently identified assembly tools and the mapping of key product characteristics to key assembly tools. The benefits of directly tying critical customer characteristics to actual machine components that have a high propensity to influence them is both preventive and reactive.

Ball and Tripod constant velocity joints are used in the majority of today's automobiles. The tribology of both types is complex. The low speed variable sliding and rolling motions with sinusoidal variation of amplitude and track surface conditions having typical Ra values of 0.4 to 4μm give rise to low λ-ratios. Contact conformities are above the level at which Hertz contact mechanics can normally be applied. These factors, plus the introduction of new joints, demands from downsizing and the search for improved refinement has lead to the development of new high-performance greases to provide effective, filled-for-life lubrication.