Inclined Workpart Conveying Platform for Gravity Self-Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration of mobile platforms in the automotive industry is complex and costly due to the need for specific support elements for each new automotive model, requiring a simplified method to accommodate various work parts without the need for precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A mobile platform with an inclined surface and sets of elements extending along intersecting planes, allowing work parts to be driven by gravity into a repeatable position within an angular sector, eliminating the need for precise support elements and reducing configuration costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If specific support elements are installed on the platform for each new automotive model, then the work parts can be positioned accurately, but the configuration process becomes complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single inclined plane structure that can accommodate multiple different work parts for various automotive models. Instead of installing specific support elements for each model, the inclined plane with its angular sector formed by two elements can universally position different work parts through gravity-driven sliding, eliminating the need for model-specific configurations while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The work parts perform self-positioning by sliding down the inclined plane under gravity until they reach the angular sector formed by the two elements. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external positioning systems or manual adjustment of support elements, reducing configuration complexity while ensuring repeatable positioning for different work parts
2Reliability
If specific support elements are installed on the platform for each new automotive model, then the work parts can be supported properly, but the configuration cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined plane with two elements serves as a universal support structure that can accommodate different work parts for various automotive models without requiring model-specific support elements. This single versatile structure replaces multiple specialized components, reducing manufacturing and configuration costs while maintaining reliable support for diverse work parts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive materials such as bended sheet metal to create the two elements forming the angular sector. These simple components replace expensive, precision-machined support elements, achieving reliable work part support through gravity-driven positioning while significantly reducing the cost of platform configuration for new models
3Manufacturing precision
If precise positioning of work parts is required, then specific support elements must be installed, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The work parts automatically position themselves by sliding down the inclined plane under gravity until they are constrained by the two elements forming the angular sector. This self-positioning mechanism eliminates the time-consuming process of manually installing and adjusting specific support elements for each work part, achieving precise and repeatable positioning instantly when the work part is placed on the inclined plane
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined plane and two elements are pre-configured in a fixed position on the platform before any work parts are loaded. This preliminary setup creates a ready-to-use angular sector that will automatically position any work part placed within it, eliminating the need for time-consuming configuration adjustments when new work parts or models are introduced
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective positioning of work parts with various shapes without the need for precise placement, using simple materials like bended sheet metal and reducing the complexity of platform configuration for new models.
Implementation Method 1
a work part placed on the inclined surface within the angular sector is driven by its weight downwards with respect to the slope of the inclined plane towards an intersection of the first direction and the second direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Platform (1) for conveying a plurality of work parts(3) in a sequence of manufacturing stations, the platform (1) being mobile and comprising an inclined surface (2, 2'), and a set of two elements {(4, 4'),(5,5'), (6,6')}, each element of the two elements being attached to the inclined surface, one element (4, 5, 6) of the set {(4, 4'),(5,5'), (6,6')} extending along a first plane and another element (4', 5', 6') of the set extending along a second plane, the first plane and the second plane crossing the inclined surface, an intersection of the first plane with the inclined surface defining a first direction (D1), the first direction (D1) being oriented upwards with respect to a slope of the inclined surface, an intersection of the second plane with the inclined surface defining a second direction (D2), the second direction (D2) being oriented upwards with respect to the slope of the inclined surface, the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) delimiting an angular sector (S), so that a work part placed on the inclined surface within the angular sector (S) is driven by its weight downwards with respect to the slope of the inclined plane towards an intersection of the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2).