Bore-Engaging Transport Fixture for Heavy Assembly Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a transport apparatus that can safely and efficiently maneuver large or heavy assembly components into desired positions or configurations, especially when they are too large or heavy for an individual to handle, and lack a built-in structure for manipulation, requiring a device that can form a temporary engagement and be easily disengaged without damaging the components.

Innovation Solution

A transport apparatus comprising attaching members, such as stepped dowels, that engage with bores on the assembly components, allowing for indirect connection to a lifting device, enabling the components to be moved and configured without altering their structure, and can be quickly assembled, disassembled, and reused.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a transport apparatus is designed to handle large or heavy assembly components, then the lifting capacity and manipulation capability are improved, but the device size and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting capacityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport apparatus is divided into multiple detachable components including attaching members with dowels, manipulating members, and connecting elements. This segmentation allows the apparatus to be assembled to match the specific size and weight of each component being handled, providing high lifting capacity when needed while maintaining portability through modular assembly and disassembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus employs adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as manipulating members with varying lengths and attaching members that can be positioned at different locations on assembly components. This dynamic adaptability allows the same apparatus configuration to handle different component sizes and weights, optimizing lifting capacity for each specific task while maintaining a compact storable form

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the transport apparatus uses a minimal number of components for quick assembly and disassembly, then the ease of operation and productivity are improved, but the adaptability to different component sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidsize accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attaching members are designed with universal applicability through standardized dowel configurations that can engage with various bore patterns on different assembly components. The manipulating members can be selectively positioned and connected to accommodate different component geometries, allowing a minimal set of standardized parts to handle diverse component sizes and types without requiring specialized tools for each application

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

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus utilizes adjustable parameters including the position of attaching members on assembly components, the length and configuration of manipulating members, and the number of attaching members deployed. By changing these parameters rather than the fundamental component structure, the apparatus can quickly adapt to different component sizes while maintaining fast assembly and disassembly capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the transport apparatus forms a temporary engagement with assembly components, then the ease of disengagement and reusability are improved, but the reliability and stability during manipulation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisengagement easeVSAvoidengagement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attaching members are pre-configured with dowels designed to engage with pre-drilled bores in assembly components. The manipulating members are pre-assembled with connecting elements positioned to engage with the attaching members. This preliminary configuration ensures that when assembly begins, the engagement is immediately stable and reliable, yet the standardized interfaces allow for equally easy disengagement when the task is complete

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dowels serve as intermediary elements between the attaching members and the assembly components, providing a stable mechanical engagement through the bore-dowel connection. The manipulating members act as intermediaries that connect multiple attaching members together, distributing loads and enhancing stability. These intermediary elements facilitate reliable temporary engagement that can be easily established and disengaged

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3962850B1Transport apparatus for assembly component and method of using transport apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 MILLER DOWEL CO
  • EP3962850B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3962850B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3962850B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3F

AI summary

An apparatus for manipulating assembly components into desired configurations and a method for using same, where the assembly component includes a first and second bore set. at a first and second transverse angles, for receiving attaching members. The apparatus includes a pair of attaching members that engage the bores to extend toward each other, and a manipulating member securing the base portions of the attaching members to each other. The attaching members may include side struts that relieve side pressure on the bores and may also include internal air passageways. The manipulating member has a length that prevents the secured attaching members from disengaging from their bores, and provides a location for a moving device to indirectly connect to the assembly component. The moving device can move the assembly component in a different directions to achieve different configurations.