Modular Filling Adapter Handle Interface for Ergonomic Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling adapters for containers on motor vehicle assembly lines are cumbersome due to their length and weight distribution, and the fixed handle position limits ergonomic handling, especially when accessing various vehicle components with different spatial constraints.
Innovation Solution
A filling adapter with a modular handle system featuring a detachable grip element that can be coupled to the adapter head via standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces, allowing for adjustable positioning and quick change, enabling optimal handling and weight compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the handle is designed as a cover for the hose package, then the adapter provides structural protection, but the overall length becomes great and the center of gravity shifts forward, impairing handling
Solution Approach 1:
The filling adapter is divided into separate functional components: a base body containing the hose package and a separate handle element that can be coupled via an interface. This segmentation allows the handle to be positioned optimally for ergonomics while the hose package remains protected in the base body, resolving the contradiction between structural protection and ease of handling.
2Shape
If the handle is designed as a separate element on the adapter head, then the handle diameter can be reduced to meet standards, but the handle angle and access position are firmly defined, causing problems in specific space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The interface between the base body and handle element is designed to allow the handle element to be moved and positioned at different angles relative to the base body. This dynamic positioning capability enables the handle diameter to meet standards while the access position can be adjusted to accommodate different space constraints and application conditions.
3Device complexity
If a fixed handle position is used, then the adapter structure is simple, but the grip element cannot be adjusted for optimal ergonomic handling in different application conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The interface design enables the handle element to be moved to different positions and angles on the base body while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. This provides adjustable ergonomic handling for different application conditions without significantly increasing device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the overall length of the adapter is reduced, then handling by the worker is improved, but the space for accommodating all media lines and electrical connections is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the hose package into its own base body compartment and positioning the handle element separately, the overall adapter length is reduced for better handling. The base body accommodates all media lines and electrical connections in its internal space, while the handle element remains compact for ergonomic operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a filling adapter for a container to be filled with media (for example oils, gases, coolants, and the like), in particular for a first filling of containers with fuels at assembly lines for the production of motor vehicles, wherein the filling adapter has a hose set and electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic lines. The problem addressed by the invention is that of creating a technical solution in this regard, by means of which a gripping element can be disposed on the main body of the filling adapter in a relative position, which position can be varied as required, so as to enable a largely optimal handling for the worker while observing the respective specific possibilities for space and access to the container to be filled. This problem is solved in that an interface (2) is configured for coupling of a gripping element (3) designed as a separate assembly on the filling adapter in the region of the adapter head (1), wherein the interface (2) has mechanical (2a) and electrical (2b) connecting elements which are disposed in a common plane and can be coupled to mechanical and electrical connecting elements of the gripping element (3) which are congruent therewith.