Patent ID: 7746483

Claim:
A method for key collar simulation in association with mounting and alignment of a moveable flap to a body of a motor vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: a) initially mounting the flap to the body in a roughly adjusted installation position for motion about an axis of rotation; b) optically detecting, following step a) and prior to painting the motor vehicle as well as prior to final mounting of locks, handles, and fixtures to the flaps and remaining body, actual values for a gap or offset between the flap and remaining portions of the body; c) generating, in dependence on the actual values detected in step b) and on specified desired values corresponding to a properly aligned position of the flap, drive signals for variation of a position and orientation of the flap relative to the remaining portions of the body using at least one actuating element cooperating with the flap; and d) regulating the at least one actuating element using the drive signals to pivot the flap about the axis of rotation for approximating the properly aligned position of the flap.