Pivotable Plate Bolt Retrieval Apparatus for Heavy Fastener Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bolt retrieval apparatuses, such as those described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-326180, fail to provide sufficient friction to securely hold heavy bolts in place, leading to slippage and falling during vehicle assembly, which strains workers and compromises efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A bolt retrieval apparatus featuring pivotable plates that grip the bolt from the side, with the plates abutting against the bolt's surface to prevent falling, and a mechanism to store the bolt when not in use, ensuring reliable retrieval and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a bolt is gripped between a pair of elastically deformable chuck members using friction force, then the bolt can be held without complex mechanisms, but sufficient friction force cannot be produced for heavy bolts causing them to slip and fall
Solution Approach 1:
The plates are designed to pivot dynamically when the bolt is inserted, automatically adjusting to the bolt's diameter and weight. This dynamic response allows the gripping force to be generated on-demand, ensuring reliable holding of heavy bolts without requiring complex pre-adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping function is divided into two independent components: the pivotable plates for gripping and the guide for guiding the bolt. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the plates focusing on generating sufficient gripping force through pivoting motion while the guide ensures proper bolt alignment
2Ease of operation
If workers squat down or bend over to retrieve bolts in low positions, then bolt retrieval is possible, but worker strain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to operate at low positions without requiring workers to change their posture. By providing a bolt retrieval mechanism that functions effectively at ground level, the system equalizes the working conditions, allowing workers to maintain an upright posture while retrieving bolts, thus eliminating the harmful effect of worker strain
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 apparatus effectively inhibits bolt slippage and falling by enhancing grip force through plate pivoting and provides a reliable method for retrieving and storing bolts, reducing worker strain and improving assembly line efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
When the bolt is inserted from inside the opening toward the adjacent region, the first plate and the second plate abut against the bolt and pivot upwards
Implementation Method 2
the end of the first plate and the end of the second plate catch on a groove of the bolt
Data Source
AI summary
A retrieval apparatus for retrieving a bolt includes a guide including an opening that passes through the guide vertically, a first plate that includes a first end, a second plate that includes a second end, the first end and the second end being arranged facing each other so as to define an adjacent region, on an upper side of the opening. When the bolt is inserted from inside the opening toward the adjacent region, the first plate and the second plate abut against the bolt and pivot upwards, and the first end and the second end abut against a side surface of the bolt and grip the bolt.