Adjustable Holding Apparatus for Automotive Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Humans face challenges in efficiently manipulating and positioning automobile parts, such as doors or hoods, due to limited hand dexterity, leading to inefficiencies and increased risk of damage during repair and painting, especially in body shops where parts need to be repositioned frequently.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable holding apparatus with pneumatic wheels, stabilizing feet, and adjustable support arms, allowing for infinite positional adjustments and secure clamping, facilitates ergonomic maneuvering and secure holding of parts in various orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mechanical aid is used to hold parts, then handling efficiency is improved, but the part must be repositioned frequently which lowers efficiency and increases damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The holding apparatus employs multiple adjustable support arms with telescopic sections and pivot joints that allow dynamic repositioning of the held part. The arms can be adjusted to various angles and positions, enabling the part to be held in different orientations without requiring complete removal and reattachment, thus reducing repositioning time while maintaining handling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus features adjustable support arms with variable lengths and angles, allowing the spatial parameters of the held part to be changed continuously. This enables the part to be reoriented to any required position while remaining securely held, eliminating the need for frequent detachment and reattachment operations
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical aid is used to hold parts, then handling capability is improved, but the likelihood of damage or marring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses multiple distributed contact points through support arms and padding elements that act as intermediaries between the mechanical structure and the held part. This distributes the holding force across multiple areas, preventing concentrated stress points that could cause damage or marring while maintaining secure handling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms are equipped with padding or cushioning elements at the contact points with the held part. This protective layer is built into the structure to prevent direct metal-to-part contact, thereby protecting the part from damage or marring during handling operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If the part is repositioned frequently, then different orientations are achieved, but overall efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms incorporate telescopic sections and pivot joints that enable continuous adjustment of arm length and angle. This dynamic adjustability allows the held part to be reoriented to any required position while remaining securely attached, providing versatility in orientations without the efficiency loss associated with frequent detachment and reattachment
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable support arms are added to allow infinite positional adjustments, then handling flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are divided into multiple telescopic sections that can slide relative to each other, allowing independent adjustment of each segment. This segmentation provides fine-grained positional control and infinite adjustment capability while keeping each individual segment relatively simple in structure
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic support arms use nested tube structures where smaller diameter tubes slide within larger diameter tubes. This nesting arrangement provides multiple degrees of freedom for adjustment while maintaining a compact overall structure and minimizing the space required for the adjustable mechanism
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus enhances handling efficiency by allowing parts to be positioned in any orientation, reducing handling and damage, while maintaining secure support and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a main frame section with at least two pneumatic wheels disposed at a bottom bifurcated portion therein
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable holding apparatus comprises a main frame section with at least two pneumatic wheels disposed at a bottom bifurcated portion therein, and another bifurcated portion having a pair of distally disposed stabilizing feet. A maneuvering portion is attached at right angles to an upper portion of the frame to aid in maneuvering the adjustable holding apparatus into position. A horizontal support arm and a vertical support arm distally attached from the handle portion to support a vertical adjustable arm and a horizontal adjustable arm. The support arms have adjustable sliding attachment ends that are positioned as needed. The horizontal and vertical support arms are moveably supported by a tilt adjustment plate that allows the arms to be positioned from 0 to 90 degrees. Clamping knobs provide adjustability.