Synchronization Arm Dolly for Automated Assembly Line Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dolly apparatuses on assembly lines require manual operation to move swing out arms away from vehicles after installation, leading to inefficiencies and increased operator walking time as they need to be manually repositioned to avoid contact with moving vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A dolly apparatus with a synchronization arm that automatically moves in sync with an elevated conveyor, utilizing an actuation member and biasing force to lower the arm from a synchronization position to a disengaged position, allowing the dolly to return to its initial location without operator intervention, and then re-engage with the next vehicle part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation is used to move swing out arms, then operator control is maintained, but operator walking time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly apparatus is equipped with a synchronization arm that automatically detects and follows the vehicle carrier through mechanical coupling. The arm synchronizes with the carrier's movement via engagement with synchronization features, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention to track and reposition the dolly apparatus along the assembly line.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of moving and repositioning the dolly apparatus is replaced by an automated mechanical synchronization system. The synchronization arm mechanically couples with the vehicle carrier's synchronization features, creating an automatic follow-system that replaces operator walking and manual repositioning actions.
2Ease of operation
If swing out arms are manually repositioned, then contact with moving vehicles is avoided, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization arm is divided into functional segments: a coupling mechanism that engages with synchronization features on the vehicle carrier, a follow-system that tracks carrier movement, and a release mechanism that disengages when needed. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall control logic despite the added mechanical elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of automatically moving a dolly apparatus from an initial location to a downstream location is provided. The method includes engaging a component being carried along an elevated conveyor with a synchronization arm of a dolly apparatus such that the dolly apparatus moves with the component. The dolly apparatus includes a base frame and an actuation member movably mounted to the base frame. A synchronization arm is movably mounted to a top of the base frame. The actuation member is operatively connected to the synchronization arm such that actuating the actuation member lowers the synchronization arm to a disengaged position. The actuation member is actuated thereby lowering the synchronization arm to a disengaged position and releasing the component.