A method and apparatus for performing an assembly operation. A tool may be macro-positioned relative to an exterior of a fuselage assembly. The tool may be micro-positioned relative to a particular location on the exterior of the fuselage assembly. An end effector is removably associated with an external robotic device associated with an external mobile platform. The tool is removably associated with the end effector. An assembly operation may be performed at the particular location on the panel using the tool.

A suspension assembly of an axle/suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle is mounted on the heavy-duty vehicle frame or sub-frame via a beam of the suspension assembly which is pivotally connected to a hanger connected to the vehicle frame. The pivotal connection includes the hanger, the beam, a bushing assembly and a fastener group, and a textured feature formed in at least one of at least a portion of the hanger, at least a portion of the bushing assembly, or at least a portion of the fastening means so that the textured feature inhibits relative movement of the bushing assembly with respect to the hanger.

A method and apparatus for distributing a number of utilities. The number of utilities may be coupled between a number of utility sources and a utility fixture. The number of utilities may be coupled between the utility fixture and a mobile system.

A method and apparatus for fastening two parts together. An initial interference fit may be created between a fastener and at least a portion of a hole extending through the two parts while maintaining a force equilibrium. A final interference fit may be created between the fastener and the hole, while maintaining a new force equilibrium.

A connecting arrangement for a stabilizer of a vehicle, with at least one lever that extends transversely to a longitudinal direction. The lever has a bearing eye provided with a non-circular inner circumferential contour. A torsion-bar spring with a rotation axis extends in the longitudinal direction. The torsion-bar spring has an outer circumferential contour, at least at one end, that matches the inner circumferential contour of the bearing eye and which fits into the bearing eye. The wall of the bearing eye is cut through by at least one slit extending in the longitudinal direction, by which two opposite wall sections of the wall are separated from one another. The two wall sections are pressed against the non-circular outer circumferential contour of the torsion-bar spring by at least one releasable clamping element.

A method and apparatus for distributing a number of utilities. The number of utilities may be coupled between a number of utility sources and a utility fixture. The number of utilities may be coupled between the utility fixture and a mobile system.

An axle-to-beam connection for an axle/suspension system of a heavy-duty vehicle that includes an axle, a beam with an alignment assembly, and an axle mount assembly. The alignment assembly is integrally formed with or is rigidly attached to the beam. The axle mount assembly intimately contacts and captures the axle. The axle is rigidly secured to the axle mount assembly without line welds. The axle mount assembly is removably connected to the alignment assembly to secure the axle to the beam.

A method and apparatus for installing a wheel arm assembly for an autonomous vehicle. The wheel arm assembly may be inserted into a base of the autonomous vehicle from the exterior of the base. A number of fasteners may be installed at the exterior of the base to attach the wheel arm assembly to the base of the autonomous vehicle.

End member assemblies are dimensioned for securement to an end of a flexible spring member for forming gas spring assemblies. An end member assembly can include an end member body and at least one connector fitting. The end member body includes a base section and a cap section that are secured together at a single flowed-material joint. The base section and the cap section together at least partially define a reservoir chamber within the end member body. The at least one connector fitting is at least partially embedded within the end member body. Gas spring assemblies including at least one end member assembly and suspension systems including at least one gas spring assembly are also included.

A steering unit includes a guide unit and a support unit having a second fastening section fixed to a first fastening section of the guide unit and a load-bearing section accommodating a spring unit, a second plane is oriented orthogonally with respect to a width of the second fastening section, the load-bearing section is asymmetrical with respect to the second plane, the guide unit extends predominantly along a first plane, wherein, in an assembled state, the first plane is oriented to the second plane, wherein the first plane is oriented orthogonally with respect to a pivot axis of a pivotable mounting of the guide unit in a bearing section, wherein, in a mounted state, at least one fastening structure is arranged in the first plane, and wherein the first plane runs centrally through the bearing section of the guide unit.