Engine Handling System with Adjustable Adapters for Polymer Bodywork
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current engine and gearbox lifting supports are unsuitable for vehicles with polymer bodywork elements, requiring two people and inadequate ergonomic and safety conditions for engine and gearbox removal and installation, especially when accessing the gearbox is necessary for repair or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A handling system comprising a crosspiece with a holding arm, adjustable adapters with uprights and rollers, and pads that can rest on a U-shaped plate with oblong grooves, allowing for secure support and adjustment to accommodate various vehicle body shapes, enabling single-operator operation and improved safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lifting supports are used to support the engine on the upper edge of the vehicle wings, then the engine can be lifted and positioned, but the device cannot be used with polymer bodywork elements and causes damage to the wings
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces adapters as intermediary components that connect the handling beam to the vehicle body. These adapters have uprights that can be positioned at different locations and heights, allowing the system to interface with various bodywork types (metal or polymer) without directly contacting and damaging the wing edges. The adapters serve as mediators between the lifting mechanism and the vehicle body, distributing forces to appropriate structural points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs adjustable uprights with variable lengths and positions, allowing dynamic adaptation to different vehicle models and bodywork configurations. The adapters can be configured to reach appropriate support points on the vehicle body, enabling the same handling system to work safely with both traditional metal bodywork and modern polymer fenders without causing damage.
2Ease of operation
If a rolling jack and workshop crane are used to support and lower the engine, then the engine can be maneuvered, but two people are required and ergonomic and safety conditions are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates multiple functions into a single handling system: the handling beam with adapters provides both support and positioning functions, the chains provide lifting and securing capabilities, and the entire system is designed to be operated by one person. This merged system replaces the need for separate rolling jacks and workshop cranes that required two operators, while maintaining or improving safety through proper engineering design.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling system is designed to be self-sufficient for single-operator use, with all necessary support, positioning, and securing functions integrated into one device that can be controlled by a single person. The system provides its own support structure and positioning mechanisms, eliminating the need for additional personnel or equipment.
3Ease of operation
If the gearbox needs to be removed or repaired, then access to the gearbox is required, but the engine block obstructs access when mounted in the vehicle body
Solution Approach 1:
The handling system is segmented into distinct functional components: the handling beam for support, adapters for connection to the vehicle body, chains for securing the engine, and adjustable uprights for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while working together as an integrated system, enabling the operator to maneuver the engine out of the way to access the gearbox without requiring an overly complex monolithic device.
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 system allows for safe and efficient single-person operation of engine and gearbox handling, adapting to different vehicle body types, including those with polymer fenders, and provides improved ergonomic conditions by eliminating the need for upper edge support and reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
each adapter comprising two rollers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (3) for handling an engine block (4) arranged at the front of the body of a motor vehicle, said handling system (3) comprising a crossmember (5), a holding arm (11) mounted on the crossmember (5) and secured to the engine block (4), and at least two shoes (17) mounted on the crossmember (5) and positioned either side of the holding arm (11), the system comprising a pair of adapters (22, 23) mounted on the body of the motor vehicle, the shoes (17) being able to rest on said adapters (22, 23).