Pit-Based Vehicle Assembly Equipment for Large Armored Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional assembly lines are not suitable for assembling large vehicles, such as armored vehicles, due to their height and mass, which poses safety risks and inefficiencies due to the need for removable gangways that create level differences and require operators to work at heights, increasing the risk of accidents and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and equipment that utilize a pit to receive the vehicle, with removable floors that can be positioned at desired heights using wedges, allowing the vehicle to be raised and assembled safely, and optionally allowing the vehicle to be positioned upside down or to exit the pit using ramps, with modular side flaps to secure the assembly area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If removable gangways are installed around the vehicle to allow access to upper parts, then operators can access assembly areas, but the installation time increases and level differences are created between part storage and assembly area
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of raising the assembly area to match the vehicle height using gangways, the invention inverts the approach by lowering the vehicle into a pit. This allows the assembly area to remain at ground level while the vehicle is positioned below, eliminating the need for gangways and level adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The pit acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the ground-level assembly area and the vehicle. By positioning the vehicle below ground level in the pit, direct access to all vehicle parts is achieved without requiring additional gangways or level changes.
2Ease of operation
If removable gangways with stairs are used to access upper parts, then operators can reach assembly areas, but operators have to make many trips back and forth on stairs carrying heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by placing the vehicle below ground level in a pit rather than elevating the assembly area. This allows operators to work at ground level while accessing all vehicle parts directly, eliminating the need for stairs and repeated trips with heavy components.
3Ease of operation
If operators work at height on gangways, then access to upper vehicle parts is enabled, but the risks are increased due to working at height
Solution Approach 1:
The invention fundamentally inverts the traditional assembly approach by positioning the vehicle below ground level in a pit while keeping operators at ground level. This eliminates the need for operators to work at height on gangways, thereby removing the safety risks associated with working at elevation while maintaining full access to upper vehicle parts.
4Productivity
If classic assembly lines with fixed tools are used, then mass assembly of light vehicles is efficient, but assembly of large vehicles with height greater than 2 meters and mass greater than 5 tons is not suitable
Solution Approach 1:
The pit-based assembly system serves multiple functions: it accommodates large heavy vehicles, provides ground-level access to all parts, eliminates the need for gangways, and can be adapted to different vehicle sizes. This universal approach replaces the specialized fixed assembly lines designed only for light vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic adaptability to the assembly process by using movable floors within the pit that can be adjusted to different heights based on vehicle requirements. This allows the same pit structure to accommodate vehicles of varying sizes and types, unlike fixed assembly lines.
5Ease of operation
If removable gangways are used to provide access to upper parts, then assembly operations can be performed, but the gangways create a difference in level between part storage and assembly area
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating level differences through gangways to access upper parts, the invention inverts the approach by placing the vehicle below ground level. This maintains a uniform ground level throughout the assembly area while providing access to all vehicle parts, eliminating the complexity of level management.
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
Facilitates and secures the assembly of large vehicles by eliminating the need for gangways, reducing operator risk, and allowing adaptation to different vehicle dimensions through modular equipment, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The floor being removable and positioned at a desired height using positioning means
Implementation Method 2
The vehicle can be set up in the pit and on its floors using lifting means
Implementation Method 3
each side flap may comprise a pivoting slat integral with a fixed horizontal slat, which pivoting slat can bear against the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The method involves forming a rectangular built gap (2) for receiving a high vehicle (4) i.e. armored infantry car, where the rectangular gap is arranged in a workshop floor (3). The vehicle is positioned on removable and detachable floors (7a, 7b) to permit raising of the vehicle. The removable and detachable floors are positioned at a desired height using a positioning unit i.e. wooden leveling pad (8). A ramp is provided for permitting the vehicle from leaving the rectangular gap. An independent claim is also included for a vehicle assembling equipment comprising a positioning unit.