Handling Trolley with Balancing Device for Automotive Body Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current handling methods for large, bulky, and heavy body parts in automotive manufacturing, such as the passenger compartment side, are inefficient and pose risks of injury and damage due to the need for manual operation and coordination of hoists and cranes, leading to reduced productivity and quality.
Innovation Solution
A handling trolley with a primary frame, steering and fixed wheels, a balance device, and movable assembly with handles, supports, and guide devices that allow for secure and controlled movement of body elements, minimizing operator interaction with the part and reducing the risk of damage or injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motorized hoist mounted on a traveling crane is used to handle body parts, then the handling capability for large and heavy body elements is improved, but the device complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trolley as an intermediary device between the operator and the body part. The trolley includes a support element that directly contacts and transports the body part, while the operator controls it via a remote control unit. This intermediary system eliminates the need for complex overhead cranes and hoists, providing efficient handling capability with reduced device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical system of overhead cranes and hoists with an electrically controlled trolley system. The trolley is equipped with an electric motor that drives the support element along a rail, substituting the complex mechanical lifting and positioning mechanisms with a simpler electric drive system that achieves the same handling function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an operator manually operates the hoist and guides the body part simultaneously, then the handling flexibility is improved, but the risk of injury and damage increases due to the need for coordinated dual-task operation
Solution Approach 1:
The trolley system is designed to be self-propelled and self-positioned along the rail. The electric motor automatically moves the support element to the desired location based on operator input, eliminating the need for the operator to manually guide the body part. This self-service capability maintains handling flexibility while removing the operator from the danger zone, thereby eliminating the risk of injury and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control unit acts as an intermediary between the operator and the trolley. The operator issues commands through the remote control, and the trolley executes them autonomously. This intermediary system allows the operator to maintain flexibility in controlling the trolley's movement without being physically present near the body part, thus eliminating the risk of injury and damage associated with manual guiding.
3Measurement precision
If the operator moves slowly to precisely position the body part on the loading station, then the positioning precision is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The trolley system enables rapid, periodic positioning movements. The electric motor can quickly move the support element to the loading station, then precisely position the body part in controlled increments. This periodic action pattern allows for both high-speed transport and precise positioning, eliminating the need for slow continuous movement and thereby maintaining productivity while achieving positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The trolley system dynamically adjusts its speed and positioning based on the operational phase. During transport, the trolley moves at high speed to maximize productivity. During positioning, the system automatically slows down and makes precise adjustments to achieve accurate placement. This dynamic speed control allows the system to maintain both high productivity and positioning precision without requiring the operator to move slowly throughout the entire operation.
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 handling trolley enhances productivity by allowing single-handed operation, reduces the risk of injury and damage, and facilitates precise positioning of body parts, while being modular and adaptable to various body elements.
Implementation Method 1
a balance device (16) integral to the chassis (12)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A handling trolley (1) suitable for moving a crate element (2) comprising a primary opening (5) delimited by a primary frame (6), this trolley (1) comprising: - a chassis (12) on which are mounted at least one steerable wheel (13) and one fixed wheel (14); - a vertical frame (15) integral with the chassis (12) and substantially perpendicular to it; this trolley also comprising: - a balancing device (16) integral with the chassis (12); - a movable assembly (17) mounted to slide on the frame (15) and connected to the balancing device (16); the movable assembly (17) comprising: - handles (18); - a primary support (19) suitable for receiving the crate element (2) through the primary frame (6).