Dolly Swing Out Arm Automatic Closing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dolly apparatuses on assembly lines require manual operation to move swing out arms back to their initial position after installation, which can lead to contact with vehicles as they continue down the line, posing a safety risk and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A dolly apparatus with an automatic arm closing assembly that includes a pivot linkage, swinging linkage, and connector rod system, allowing the swing out arm to automatically move from an installation position to an initial position using an engagement member that rotates with the movement of the conveyor, ensuring the arm is retracted out of the vehicle's path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual operation is used to move the swing out arm back to initial position, then the structure remains simple, but safety risk increases due to potential arm contact with vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The swing out arm automatically returns to its initial position through a spring mechanism without requiring manual operation. The spring is compressed when the arm is in the extended installation position and automatically propels the arm back to the retracted initial position, making the system self-servicing and eliminating safety risks associated with manual retraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of moving the swing out arm is replaced by an automated spring-based mechanical system. This substitution eliminates the need for operator intervention while maintaining mechanical simplicity, thereby improving safety without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual retraction of the swing out arm is required, then the device structure remains simple, but productivity decreases due to interruption in assembly line operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly line efficiencyVSAvoidarm closing assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism automatically returns the swing out arm to its initial position without requiring manual intervention, allowing the assembly line to continue operating without interruption. This self-servicing feature eliminates downtime and maintains productivity while the added spring component represents a minimal increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the swing out arm remains in installation position longer, then installation precision is maintained, but harmful factors increase due to potential contact with moving vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearm contact with vehicleVSAvoidinstallation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism is pre-compressed when the swing out arm is extended to the installation position. This preliminary storage of mechanical energy enables the arm to automatically and quickly return to its retracted position immediately after installation, minimizing the time the arm remains in the harmful extended position near moving vehicles while ensuring installation precision is achieved during the brief extended period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 automatic arm closing feature enhances safety and efficiency by eliminating the need for manual retraction, preventing arm contact with vehicles and allowing continuous operation on the assembly line.

Implementation Method 1

The pivot linkage rotates the swing out arm from the installation position to the initial position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

The connector rod moves with rotation of the swinging linkage and rotates the pivot linkage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical coupling:

Data Source

PatentUS11352081B2Dolly apparatuses including swing out arm and automatic arm closing features

Publication Date: 2022.06.07 TOYOTA MOTOR ENG & MFG NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

A dolly apparatus for use on an assembly line includes a base frame. A swing out arm is rotatably connected to the base frame by a pivot linkage. An automatic arm closing assembly moves the swing out arm from an installation position to an initial position. The automatic arm closing assembly includes an engagement member located laterally outside the base frame. A swinging linkage is rotatably connected to the base frame. A support rod connects the engagement member to the swinging linkage. A connector rod connects the swinging linkage to the pivot linkage. The engagement member has a retracted position and an extended position. The connector rod moves with rotation of the swinging linkage and rotates the pivot linkage thereby moving the swing out arm from the installation position to the initial position with movement of the engagement member from the extended position to the retracted position.