Eccentric Vehicle Transport Device with Rotating Base Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor systems in vehicle assembly facilities face challenges in providing ergonomic access to vehicles for workers while transporting heavy and partially assembled vehicles, often requiring complex transfer processes and space-consuming support structures.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with rotatable and eccentrically movable base elements and lifting devices allows for flexible positioning of support elements, enabling nearly unrestricted access to vehicle bodies without the need for overhead conveyors, thus simplifying the production process and reducing system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If overhead conveyors are used to transport vehicles, then vehicles can be transported efficiently, but worker access to vehicle bodies becomes restricted and non-ergonomic
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device employs dynamically adjustable support elements that can be positioned at different locations along the vehicle underbody. The base elements can rotate about vertical axes, and carrier elements can be moved eccentrically to position support elements in various locations, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on the specific work requirements at each station.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport device is divided into multiple independent base elements, each with its own lifting device and carrier elements. This segmentation allows different portions of the vehicle to be supported at different heights and positions, enabling workers to access various areas of the vehicle body ergonomically while maintaining efficient transport.
2Ease of operation
If complex transfer processes are implemented to improve vehicle accessibility, then worker access improves, but system complexity and risk of production interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it transports vehicles along the assembly line, provides ergonomic access points for workers, and allows flexible positioning of support elements without requiring transfer to different systems. The same device structure enables both efficient transport and improved accessibility, eliminating the need for separate transfer processes.
3Productivity
If overhead conveyors with space-consuming support structures are used, then vehicle transport is enabled, but assembly hall space is reduced and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using overhead conveyors that occupy vertical space and require high ceilings, the invention transitions to a ground-based transport system. The support elements extend upward from the ground level to support vehicle underbodies, effectively moving the support function from the vertical dimension to the horizontal plane, thereby freeing up assembly hall space.
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
This solution enhances ergonomic access, reduces the risk of production interruptions, and allows for a cost-effective, modular, and safe conveyor technology concept with improved system availability and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting devices can each comprise an individually extendable telescopic mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a transport device for a vehicle assembly system with a base element movable on a transport plane. Furthermore, at least two base elements connected to the base element are provided, each rotatable about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the transport plane. At least one support element for receiving the vehicle body is connected to each base element and is movable eccentrically to the axis of rotation of the base element.