Brake Assembly Positioning for Single-Tech Heavy Component Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal and servicing of heavy vehicle brake assemblies are cumbersome and time-consuming due to their weight and size, posing health and safety risks, and existing methods require multiple technicians and equipment for manual handling, which increases costs and time.
Innovation Solution
A modular apparatus that can position and move relative to the brake assembly, supporting and holding various components for removal and installation, featuring a positioning assembly with electric linear actuators for controlled movement and alignment, and adaptable to handle multiple components, including wheels, calipers, drums, and axles, reducing manual handling and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling methods are used for heavy brake assembly components, then multiple technicians are required to ensure safety, but this increases time consumption and labor costs
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables a single technician to independently handle heavy brake components through automated positioning and lifting mechanisms, eliminating the need for multiple technicians to manually support components during removal and installation
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling by multiple technicians is replaced by an automated apparatus with electric linear actuators and positioning mechanisms that automatically lift, position, and align heavy brake components
2Ease of operation
If multiple specialized apparatus are used for different brake components, then each component can be handled appropriately, but this increases equipment complexity and storage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with interchangeable adapters and a universal positioning system that can accommodate multiple different brake components including drums, rotors, calipers, and wheels, allowing a single apparatus to perform functions previously requiring multiple specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus uses modular adapters that can be attached and detached to accommodate different component types, dividing the universal apparatus into specialized configurations as needed while maintaining a single base system
3Ease of operation
If heavy components are placed on the ground for storage, then they are easily accessible, but they are difficult to pick up and may roll or move causing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus acts as an intermediary between the ground and heavy components, providing a controlled lifting and positioning system that safely handles components during both storage and retrieval operations, preventing uncontrolled movement while maintaining accessibility
4Manufacturing precision
If technicians manually align brake assembly parts for re-installation, then alignment can be achieved, but this is time-consuming and skill-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
Manual alignment by technicians is replaced by automated positioning mechanisms with electric linear actuators that precisely control the position and orientation of brake components during installation, eliminating skill dependency and reducing alignment time
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 streamlines the brake assembly process by allowing single-person operation, reducing risks and costs, and efficiently aligns and transports heavy components, significantly shortening maintenance time and storage requirements.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a positioning assembly with electric linear actuators for controlled movement and alignment
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for facilitating assembly and/or dis-assembly of a vehicle brake assembly, the apparatus being configured to be positionable relative to the brake assembly and movable away from the vehicle and further being configurable to support and hold a selected part of the vehicle brake assembly for facilitating removal and installation thereof, and wherein the apparatus comprises a positioning assembly configured to controllably move the selected held part of the brake assembly relative to a base of the apparatus, and the positioning assembly is further configured to raise and lower the held selected part between a lowered position where the selected part is in contact with or on the ground and a raised position where the selected part and adaptor assembly is transportable by the apparatus to or from the vehicle.