Inclined Workpart Platform for Gravity-Based Assembly Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration of mobile platforms in automotive assembly lines is complex and costly due to the need for specific support elements for each new automotive model, requiring frequent adjustments to accommodate different work parts.
Innovation Solution
A mobile platform with an inclined surface and a set of two elements extending along intersecting planes, allowing work parts to be positioned within an angular sector where gravity drives them to a repeatable position, eliminating the need for precise placement and specific support elements, using materials like bended sheet metal and reducing the complexity of tooling platform configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If specific support elements are installed on the platform for each new automotive model, then work parts can be precisely supported, but the configuration process becomes complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by replacing model-specific support elements with a universal inclined plane structure that can accommodate different work parts through gravitational positioning. The inclined plane with angular sector works for multiple automotive models without requiring reconfiguration, making the platform multi-functional and eliminating the need for specific supports for each model.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined plane structure enables work parts to self-position themselves through gravity within the angular sector. The work parts automatically slide down to stable positions defined by the intersecting planes, eliminating the need for external positioning mechanisms or manual adjustment by operators.
2Reliability
If model-specific support elements are used, then work parts are properly supported, but the configuration step becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, precision-machined support elements with simple, inexpensive materials such as bended sheet metal for the inclined plane structure. These simple elements provide sufficient support reliability through gravitational positioning rather than through precision mechanical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of positioning from mechanical constraint (using fixed support elements) to gravitational force (using inclined planes). This parameter change allows the use of simpler, cheaper materials while maintaining positioning reliability through the physics of gravity rather than precision engineering.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise placement of work parts is required, then positioning accuracy is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined plane structure allows work parts to automatically position themselves through gravity within the angular sector formed by intersecting planes. This self-positioning mechanism eliminates the need for operators to manually place each work part with precision, significantly reducing configuration time while maintaining repeatable positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The intersecting planes are pre-configured to define the angular sector before work parts are placed. This preliminary arrangement of the support structure creates predetermined stable positions that work parts will naturally occupy, eliminating the need for time-consuming adjustment during the actual positioning process.
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
This solution simplifies the configuration process, reduces costs, and allows the platform to accommodate a variety of work part shapes without the need for pins or machined locators, ensuring stable positioning through the effect of gravity and minimizing the requirement for precise placement accuracy.
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
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a platform for conveying a plurality of work parts in a sequence of manufacturing stations, the platform being mobile and including an inclined surface, and a set of two elements, one element of the set extending along a first plane and another element of the set extending along a second plane, an intersection of the first plane with the inclined surface defining a first direction, an intersection of the second plane with the inclined surface defining a second direction, the first direction and the second direction delimiting an angular sector, so that a work part placed on the inclined surface within the angular sector is driven by its weight downwards with respect to a slope of the inclined plane towards an intersection of the first direction and the second direction.