Brake Drum and Hub Support Trolley for Safe Single-Person Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inspection, removal, and servicing of heavy vehicle brake assemblies are challenging due to their significant weight and awkwardness, requiring multiple technicians and introducing health and safety concerns, inefficiency, and high costs, as existing devices lack effective mechanisms for rotation and vertical adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A trolley-based apparatus with a drum and hub engagement assembly that allows for vertical lifting, rotation, and secure positioning of the brake assembly, enabling easy removal, installation, and servicing by facilitating the engagement of the brake assembly with a lifting device and friction hinge for controlled rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual removal and installation of brake assembly is performed, then the brake assembly can be removed and installed, but multiple technicians are required and health and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized apparatus as an intermediary device between the brake assembly and the technicians. This apparatus includes engagement members that securely grip the brake drum and hub assembly, allowing a single technician to control and maneuver the heavy component without direct manual handling, thereby eliminating health and safety concerns while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to enable self-service operation where a single technician can independently perform removal and installation of the brake assembly. The engagement assembly and positioning mechanisms are configured to be controlled by one operator, eliminating the need for multiple technicians working in concert and empowering individual technicians to safely handle heavy brake components
2Productivity
If the brake assembly is handled manually, then removal and installation can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus serves as a mechanical intermediary that amplifies the technician's capability to move heavy brake assemblies. The engagement assembly securely grasps the drum and hub, while the positioning mechanism provides controlled movement, enabling rapid removal and installation that is both time-efficient and cost-effective by eliminating the need for multiple technicians and reducing service time
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities that allow the brake assembly to be moved efficiently between different positions during removal and installation. The mechanism can be adjusted and repositioned as needed, enabling quick and adaptable handling that improves productivity while minimizing time loss
3Ease of operation
If existing removal devices are used, then the brake drum and hub assembly can be removed, but the adjustment mechanisms are restricted in movement and have limited usefulness for inspection and servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus features a dynamic positioning mechanism that allows the brake drum and hub assembly to be moved through a wide range of positions and orientations. The engagement assembly can be adjusted vertically and horizontally, and the assembly can be rotated to various angles, providing full adaptability for different inspection and servicing tasks unlike restricted prior art devices
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed as a universal device that can accommodate various brake assembly configurations and sizes. The engagement members are adjustable to fit different drum dimensions, and the positioning mechanism provides multi-directional movement capability, making the device versatile for comprehensive inspection and servicing operations across different vehicle types
4Ease of repair
If the drum and hub assembly is removed completely, then servicing can be performed, but the assembly is heavy and awkward requiring multiple technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus acts as a mechanical intermediary that supports the heavy drum and hub assembly during removal and servicing. The engagement members securely hold the assembly while the positioning mechanism bears its weight, allowing a single technician to manipulate and position the heavy component for inspection and repair without direct manual handling of the full weight
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus creates a controlled working environment where the heavy brake assembly can be positioned and held in optimal orientations for servicing. By using the engagement assembly and positioning mechanism, the technician can access all sides and components of the drum and hub without needing to manually support or reposition the heavy assembly, making repair operations easier and safer
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 reduces the need for manual labor, minimizes health risks, and decreases costs by allowing single-person operation, efficient removal, and easy access for inspection and servicing, while ensuring safe handling and efficient reinstallation of heavy brake assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus can include a friction hinge for preventing rotation of the drum and hub engagement assembly unless force is applied by a user of the apparatus
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An apparatus configured to engage and support a heavy vehicle brake assembly to facilitate removal and installation. The apparatus comprises a drum and hub engagement assembly configured to engage an accessible portion of an in-situ drum and/or hub assembly and to support the drum and/or hub assembly when so engaged for transport between an in-situ position and a removed position. The apparatus includes a lifting assembly having an upright guide assembly and a lifting device for raising and lowering the drum and hub engagement assembly. The lifting device is configured to raise and lower the drum and hub engagement assembly and the drum and/or hub assembly engaged thereby along the upright guide assembly in a vertical line. The apparatus is configured to be positionable relative to the brake assembly and movable away from the vehicle to facilitate removal of the brake assembly.