Rotating Vehicle Body Part Rack for Multi-Part Assembly Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle body part racks are not adaptable to multiple types of vehicle body parts and require manual turning of parts, which can lead to damage and operator fatigue due to the need for frequent repositioning and handling.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle body part rack with a base plate and movable supporting rods and heads that rotate the part automatically, allowing for secure support and distribution of stress across the part's surface, eliminating the need for manual repositioning and reducing the risk of damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple racks are used to support different vehicle body parts and positions, then the adaptability to various parts is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various vehicle body partsVSAvoidnumber of racks required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rack is designed with multiple supporting rods that can be positioned at different locations and angles, allowing a single rack structure to support various vehicle body parts (bumpers, roofs, tailgates, fenders) in multiple positions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate racks for each part type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting rods are made movable and adjustable, allowing the rack to dynamically adapt its configuration to match different part shapes and positions. The rods can move upward to contact the part surface and be repositioned as needed, providing flexibility without requiring multiple fixed racks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If manual turning of the part is required to work on the other side, then the operator can access both sides of the part, but the risk of damage and operator fatigue increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to both sides of the partVSAvoidrisk of damage to the part

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rack incorporates a rotation mechanism that automatically turns the supported part to present the other side for working. This dynamic feature eliminates manual handling and turning by the operator, reducing the risk of inadvertent damage while providing easy access to both sides of the part.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple rods are used to contact the surface of the part, then the distribution of strains is improved, but the complexity of the supporting device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution of strains on the partVSAvoidnumber of supporting rods

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting rods are designed to be movable and self-adjusting, automatically positioning themselves to contact the part surface at optimal points. This dynamic adaptation allows multiple contact points for even strain distribution without requiring a complex fixed structure with precisely positioned multiple rods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10953503B2Vehicle body part rack with lateral supports able to rotate the vehicle body part

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 OPMOBILITY SE

AI summary

A vehicle body part rack, being used for placing a vehicle body part during assembly or post-treatment of the vehicle body part. The rack includes a base plate and vehicle body part supports arranged on the base plate. Each support has a head, and a supporting rod connected to the head and the base plate. The supporting rod is movable with respect to the base plate and the rack has lateral supports which are able to hold the vehicle body part and to rotate it.