Autonomous Trolley With Vertical Sled And Rotation For Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing equipment for assembling mechanical components lacks efficiency, productivity, and safety, particularly when multiple workstations with different equipment are involved, requiring manual and intelligent processing of various mechanical assemblies.

Innovation Solution

A versatile, autonomous trolley with a handling unit capable of vertical movement and rotation, equipped with gear motors and a control panel that stores and executes specific movement sequences, allowing it to interface with multiple assembly stations and automate complex operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual and intelligent processing equipment is used at multiple workstations, then mechanical assemblies can be processed, but efficiency, productivity and safety are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidoperational safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The trolley is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities, including sensors, processors, and control systems that enable it to move between workstations independently without manual operation, thereby improving productivity while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated trolley system that uses electronic control, sensors, and programmable logic to perform transport and positioning tasks, eliminating manual labor risks while increasing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different equipment is used at each workstation for different operations, then various mechanical assemblies can be assembled, but the complexity of managing multiple equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkstation compatibilityVSAvoidequipment management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trolley is designed as a universal platform capable of interfacing with multiple types of workstation equipment through standardized interfaces and adaptive positioning systems, allowing it to perform different operations at various workstations without requiring separate specialized equipment for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The trolley incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components, including variable positioning mechanisms and adaptable handling apparatus, that allow it to dynamically adjust to different workstation configurations and operational requirements, simplifying equipment management across diverse assembly tasks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the trolley is designed to handle objects with maximum degree of freedom, then handling capability is improved, but the weight and dimensions of the trolley increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling freedomVSAvoidtrolley weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The handling system is divided into modular components, including interchangeable end effectors and segmented positioning mechanisms, that can be configured based on specific handling requirements, providing maximum degrees of freedom only when needed while minimizing overall trolley weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trolley employs variable stiffness mechanisms and adaptive mass distribution systems that adjust structural parameters based on load requirements, allowing it to achieve high handling capability with minimal weight by optimizing structural properties dynamically rather than designing for maximum capability in all conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 trolley enhances assembly and testing efficiency by enabling autonomous operation, reducing energy expenditure, and optimizing movement sequences, thereby improving productivity and safety across different assembly stations.

Implementation Method 1

a fixed screw substantially parallel to said uprights and passing inside a hole obtained in the sled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

one or more gear motors placed on board the sled, acting on a gear, which cooperates with the fixed screw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 3

a gear motor placed on board the sled adapted to actuate a toothed wheel placed inside a hole on the sled, said hole having a substantially horizontal axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3505296A1A trolley for use in assembling mechanical components
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 MA SRL
  • EP3505296A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3505296A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3505296A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention is set in the field of assembling mechanical components and relates in particular to a trolley (100) for transporting objects, in particular, components of mechanical assemblies, where the aforesaid trolley (100) comprises a base, which supports a handling unit provided with a sled (15) configured to interface with an object (200) to be transported, wherein said handling unit comprises a first sub-assembly for the vertical movement of the object (200) and a second sub-assembly for allowing a rotation of the object (200) about a substantially horizontal axis of the object (200), and wherein the aforesaid trolley further comprises a control panel (150) configured to allow the trolley (100) and the handling unit to perform specific movement sequences stored in a memory unit (160) associated with said control panel (150).