Modular Vehicle Service Pit Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle service pits are often complex and expensive due to their unitary construction, requiring high shipping costs, lengthy on-site assembly, and necessitating replacement of entire units if damaged, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A modular service pit design featuring a head section and foot section made from molded plastic, supported by an underlying structure with a U-shaped gasket and joint plate, and secured with fasteners, allowing for easier assembly and reduced material usage, with optional lighting and elongate metal runners for glider support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a unitary service pit is constructed from poured concrete or manufactured as a single piece, then structural integrity is improved, but shipping costs and assembly complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The service pit is divided into multiple modular sections (head section, foot section, and intermediate sections) that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. Each section is formed as a complete unit with integrated walls and floor, but the overall structure is composed of discrete segments that simplify shipping and assembly while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection details.
2Manufacturing precision
If a unitary service pit is manufactured as a single large piece, then manufacturing consistency is improved, but shipping fees and container requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The service pit is segmented into multiple manageable sections that can be shipped in smaller loads using less expensive 20-foot containers rather than requiring 40-foot containers. Each section maintains consistent manufacturing quality through standardized mold designs while reducing individual piece weight and dimensions for more economical shipping.
3Ease of manufacture
If a unitary service pit is used, then installation simplicity is improved, but replacement cost and time increase when damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The modular section design enables selective replacement of only the damaged section rather than requiring replacement of the entire service pit. Standardized connection details and gasket systems facilitate quick installation of replacement sections, reducing both time and cost associated with repairs while maintaining installation simplicity through consistent assembly procedures.
4Weight of moving object
If a service pit is made from multiple pieces assembled on-site, then shipping costs are reduced, but assembly time and worker expertise requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The service pit is divided into pre-manufactured modular sections that reduce shipping costs while minimizing on-site assembly requirements. Each section arrives as a complete unit with integrated walls and floor, requiring only connection at the joints. Standardized connection details and gasket systems simplify the assembly process, reducing both time and expertise requirements compared to traditional multi-piece construction.
5Length of moving object
If a 22-foot unitary service pit is shipped overseas, then a complete service pit is delivered, but a 40-foot cargo container is required instead of a 20-foot container
Solution Approach 1:
The 22-foot service pit is divided into multiple sections that can be shipped in 20-foot containers. The modular sections are designed with standardized dimensions that optimize container loading, allowing complete service pits to be transported using less expensive 20-foot containers rather than requiring 40-foot containers, thereby reducing shipping costs.
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 modular design reduces assembly time and costs, minimizes shipping expenses, and allows for easier installation and maintenance, as well as providing a fluid leakage-resistant and structurally sound service pit solution.
Implementation Method 1
The rotational mold is loaded with a polymer, then heated and rotated to melt the polymer and uniformly coat the inside of the rotational mold
Implementation Method 2
The rotational mold is loaded with a polymer, then heated and rotated to melt the polymer and uniformly coat the inside of the rotational mold
Implementation Method 3
While still rotating, the mold is cooled to set the polymer
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary vehicle service pit includes a first section and a second section abutting each other. A support structure supports the service pit and a joint plate helps hold the first section and the second section in the abutting relationship. Substantially parallel runners are located in the service pit and are secured to the support structure. A glider moveably mounts on the runners. Lights may be included as part of the service pit. An exemplary method for assembling a service pit includes abutting a head section and a foot section and securing a gasket in place over the joint between the head section and the foot section using a joint plate. Optionally, lights are added to the head section, the foot section, or both. Runners of elongate metal with support feet integrally formed are attached to the service pit by bolts, or other suitable fastener.