Curvilinear Rail Handling Device for Angled Equipment Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handling devices for installing bulky equipment, such as front seats with headrests in vehicles, require ergonomic but tiring efforts due to the need for complex movements and heavy lifting, especially when the equipment must be angled for proper installation, leading to strain and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A handling device with a curvilinear rail and handle that allows the equipment to be tilted to an ergonomic angle for easier introduction, reducing the need for heavy lifting and maintaining the equipment in a deported and inclined position, featuring a slide with a notch or protuberance for secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the equipment is inserted vertically without tilting, then the insertion process is simpler, but the equipment cannot be properly installed when the system is pre-equipped with components like headrests that require angled insertion to avoid damage and ensure electrical continuity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion process simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with pre-equipped components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting assembly is made dynamically tiltable through the curvilinear rail mechanism, allowing it to transition from a vertical standby position to an inclined insertion position. This dynamic adjustment enables the handling device to adapt to different insertion requirements while maintaining ease of operation through automated mechanical assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the user manually tilts and lifts the mounting assembly to the required angle, then the equipment can be inserted at the correct angle, but the user must exert significant force equivalent to carrying a 13 kg load continuously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion angle accuracyVSAvoiduser effort and ergonomics

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The curvilinear rail and corresponding curvilinear slide mechanism provide a guided curved path for the mounting assembly. This curved geometry automatically guides the assembly through the precise angular transition from vertical to inclined position, ensuring accurate insertion angles while eliminating the need for users to manually exert force to maintain tilted positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The curvilinear rail acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the vertical mounting assembly and the inclined insertion position. It mediates the transition by providing a pre-defined curved path that automatically achieves the required angle, replacing the need for direct manual tilting and force application by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the handling device supports larger equipment like seats with headrests, then more equipment types can be installed, but the existing device design becomes unsuitable and requires modification to handle the additional weight and size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment size rangeVSAvoidhandling device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The curvilinear rail and slide mechanism provides a universal solution that can accommodate various sizes and weights of equipment. The same mechanical structure that enables angled insertion for small components also supports larger equipment like seats with headrests, as it distributes and manages the forces involved through its curved guidance path and stable mounting assembly design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3887236B1Handling device for inserting a piece of equipment at an angle into a system

Publication Date: 2022.12.28 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed is a handling device (1) that allows a person to handle a piece of equipment that needs to be inserted at an angle into a system. This device (1) comprises a support part (2) suspended in the vicinity of the system and to which there is coupled a fastening assembly (4) to which the equipment is temporarily fastened in a stand-by position, and a curvilinear rail (3) fixedly attached to the fastening assembly (4) and comprising an operating handle (5). The support part (2) comprises a curvilinear slide (7) in which the curvilinear rail (3) is slidingly mounted, such that, when the person slides the latter (3) by means of the operating handle (5), it is moved from an initial position to an end position in which the equipment is in an offset and inclined position suitable for insertion at an angle into the system.