Flexible Shell Support Device for Load Distribution in Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
During vehicle assembly, particularly in aircraft or spacecraft construction, workers face challenges in accessing and maneuvering tools and components in difficult-to-reach areas, leading to physical strain and reduced efficiency due to the need for excessive muscular force, which can result in prolonged assembly times and compromised posture.
Innovation Solution
A support device comprising a flexible shell formed by interconnected elements that envelop body parts, such as arms or torsos, to distribute load and reduce the muscular effort required for lifting and positioning tools, allowing for more precise alignment and stabilization, with adjustable and modular design to accommodate various tasks and physical conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If workers manually lift and position tools and components in difficult-to-reach areas, then assembly work can be performed, but physical strain increases and assembly time increases due to excessive muscular force required
Solution Approach 1:
A support device acts as an intermediary between the worker and the tools/components being assembled. The device includes a support structure with adjustable support elements that can be positioned to provide mechanical assistance, reducing the direct physical effort required by the worker while maintaining control over the assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The support device incorporates dynamically adjustable support elements that can be repositioned and reconfigured based on the specific assembly task and worker position. This allows the device to adapt to different working conditions, optimizing the mechanical advantage and reducing physical strain across various assembly operations
2Manufacturing precision
If workers maintain precise posture and alignment for component assembly, then assembly precision improves, but physical energy consumption increases due to prolonged static positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The support device provides counterbalancing forces through its support structure and adjustable elements, effectively counteracting the weight of tools and components. This reduces the gravitational load on the worker's muscles, allowing precise positioning to be maintained with significantly reduced energy expenditure
3Strength
If a rigid support structure is used to stabilize body parts, then load transfer effectiveness improves, but adaptability to different body positions and tasks decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple modular support elements that can be independently adjusted and configured. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for specific load-bearing requirements while the overall system maintains adaptability through reconfiguration of the individual modules
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is designed as a multi-functional system where the same basic structure can serve multiple purposes through adjustment of support elements. The device can adapt to different body parts, working positions, and assembly tasks, providing both structural strength and versatility through its universal design
Data Source
AI summary
A support device, in particular an assembly support device for stabilizing a body part of a person includes a plurality of hinged-together elements designed to at least partially envelop a body part of a person, so that the plurality of hinged-together elements collectively form a flexible shell for the body part of the person. The flexible shell is designed to transfer a portion of a load acting on the body part of the person in order to stabilize the body part of the person. A vehicle, to which is secured an assembly support device, as well as a method for stabilizing a body part of a person during the assembly of a vehicle are also described.