Pivoting Piston Handling Fixture for Safe Engine Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of pistons with a small end attached to the piston via a piston pin during maintenance of large internal combustion engines is unsafe, as it can result in damage to the piston, piston pin, or injury to service personnel due to undefined manual handling procedures.
Innovation Solution
A handling device comprising a basic frame, a pivotable or tiltable receiving device, an actuator with self-locking gear, and a locking device, which securely positions and clamps the piston, preventing damage and injury by allowing controlled and defined movements during servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling procedures are used to move the piston, then the service personnel can position the piston freely, but the piston, piston pin, or small end can be damaged and service personnel can get seriously injured
Solution Approach 1:
A receiving device with a receiving element acts as an intermediary between the service personnel and the piston. The receiving element can be inserted into the piston to securely hold it, eliminating direct manual handling. This intermediary structure prevents damage to piston components while allowing controlled positioning through the actuator mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling device enables self-service handling of the piston through automated actuation. The actuator automatically positions the receiving device and piston, eliminating the need for service personnel to manually manipulate heavy components. The system serves itself by using mechanical actuation rather than human strength and coordination.
2Manufacturing precision
If the receiving device is made pivotable or tiltable to allow defined service positions, then the piston can be positioned precisely for servicing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device is segmented into a receiving element and a holder, with the receiving element being detachably connectable to the holder. This segmentation allows the receiving element to be inserted into the piston while the holder remains mounted on the basic frame. The pivotable connection between holder and basic frame provides positioning capability without requiring the entire device to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving device is made dynamically adjustable through the actuator, which can pivot or tilt the receiving device relative to the basic frame. This dynamic capability allows the piston to be positioned in various orientations for different service operations. The locking device complements this by providing stable fixed positions when needed, combining flexibility with precision.
3Reliability
If a locking device is added to secure the receiving device in different pivot positions, then the piston can be securely held during servicing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated component rather than being integrated into the actuator mechanism. The locking device operates independently to secure the receiving device in selected positions. This separation of functions allows the actuator to focus on positioning while the locking device provides secure fixation, simplifying the overall design compared to a fully integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
A handling device for servicing a piston with a small end attached to the piston via a piston pin, having a basic frame, a receiving device that is pivotable or tiltable relative to the basic frame for the piston removed from an internal combustion engine, an actuator for pivoting or tilting the receiving device relative to the basic frame, and a locking device via which the receiving device is lockable on the basic frame in different pivot positions or tilting positions.