Multi-Axis Hinge Fixture for Heavy Equipment Gearbox Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The labor-, resource-, and time-intensive process of changing a gearbox in large robotics equipment requires significant setup, teardown, and recalibration, often necessitating extensive space and multiple skilled personnel, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A fixture assembly with a multi-axes hinge arrangement and linking structures allows for controlled linear and angular movement of robot parts, enabling precise separation and reassembly of heavy equipment components, such as a gearbox, without the need for extensive rigging systems, thereby reducing labor, time, and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a crane and extensive rigging system are used to change the gearbox, then the gearbox can be replaced, but the process becomes labor-intensive, time-consuming, and requires extensive space and multiple skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture assembly is divided into multiple components including first and second connecting components, a multi-axes hinge arrangement, and linking structures. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while collectively enabling the gearbox replacement process without requiring complex external rigging systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture assembly acts as an intermediary device between the robot parts and the maintenance personnel. It provides a controlled mechanism for separating and reassembling the lower joint, eliminating the need for cranes and extensive rigging while maintaining precision and control throughout the gearbox replacement process.
2Ease of operation
If a crane is used to support robot parts during gearbox change, then parts can be separated, but extensive setup and teardown of ancillary equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture assembly is pre-configured with connecting components and hinge arrangements that are ready for attachment to the robot parts. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming setup of external cranes and rigging equipment, as the fixture itself provides all necessary support and separation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture assembly is designed to be self-contained, providing its own support and separation mechanisms without requiring external cranes or ancillary equipment. The multi-axes hinge arrangement and linking structures enable the fixture to perform all necessary functions independently, reducing setup and teardown requirements.
3Ease of repair
If the lower arm is separated at the lower joint from the base, then the gearbox can be accessed, but precision control is lost and recalibration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-axes hinge arrangement provides dynamic, controlled movement between the lower arm and base during separation. The hinge allows for precise angular and linear displacement while maintaining control over the relative positioning, enabling gearbox access without complete loss of position control that would occur with rigid separation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture assembly replaces the need for manual separation and subsequent recalibration with a controlled mechanical system. The linking structures and hinge arrangement provide predetermined movement paths that maintain precision control throughout the separation and reassembly process, eliminating the need for electricians and programmers to perform recalibration.
4Ease of repair
If extensive rigging and support systems are used, then the gearbox can be changed, but significant space and multiple skilled personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that combines connecting, supporting, separating, and positioning functions in a single integrated system. This universality eliminates the need for multiple separate pieces of equipment such as cranes, rigging systems, and support structures, reducing both the quantity of equipment and personnel required.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture assembly merges multiple functions into a single compact unit. The connecting components, hinge arrangement, and linking structures work together as an integrated system, replacing the need for separate crane operations, rigging setup, and support equipment, thereby reducing the overall quantity of personnel and equipment needed for gearbox replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture assembly, for use in maintaining a piece of heavy equipment. The fixture assembly includes a first connecting component configured to be connected releasably to a first part of the heavy equipment, and a second connecting component configured to be connected releasably to a second part of the heavy equipment connected to the first part when the heavy equipment is assembled. The fixture assembly also includes a hinge arrangement connecting the first connecting component to the second connecting component. The technology further includes methods for maintaining the heavy equipment using the fixture assembly, such as by separating heavy equipment parts in order to replace a gearbox of the equipment.