In automotive manufacturing, car bodies must be dipped in large treatment tanks (e.g., for painting or corrosion protection). Traditional systems either use motors to rotate the heavy car bodies or rely on passive guide rails to control the rotation. Motorized systems are costly and complex. Passive systems wear out quickly because they endure high forces, causing maintenance downtime and inefficiency.
Core
Features of the Invention
This invention introduces a smarter, more durable transport system. It uses a combination of two specialized guide elements along the treatment line:
- A first guide rail for low-stress sections.
- A second, stronger guide
system with rollers for the high-stress rotation zones (where the car
body dips in and out of the tank).
The transport units passively rotate without motors, using a clever mechanical interface between a wheel and guide rollers. The system also includes modular lifting stations and return units that allow the transport frames to circulate efficiently through the line.
Inventive Step (What’s New)
Instead of relying on one type of guide to handle both straight-line movement and intense rotational forces, this design splits the load between two systems—placing robust roller-based guides only where needed. This prevents wear and tear in areas most likely to fail and avoids the need for a dedicated rotation motor.
Tangible Benefits
- Less maintenance and downtime due to reduced wear.
- Lower costs by eliminating rotation motors.
- Compact, modular design improves space efficiency.
- System can be easily serviced from outside, reducing labor.
Broader Impact
This invention helps car manufacturers streamline body treatment lines, boosting reliability and reducing operating costs. It supports higher production uptime and potentially lowers the environmental impact by reducing the need for frequent part replacements. The modular, scalable system can also be adapted to other industries with similar dipping or treatment needs.