Customer Requirement

A large aerospace company approached CSD with a requirement to design and manufacture bespoke process equipment for the lift and transfer of cockpit electrical control panels for use in the aerospace industry. These electrical control panels are above the weight limit for manual handling so the customer needed a bespoke process equipment solution in order to fulfil the assembly requirements.

Project Challenge

The main design challenge for this project was that the bespoke process equipment solution had to be stable and able to move and handle parts whilst situated on ramps at varying inclines. The solution also had to be able to lift and transfer the electrical panels to five locations on the assembly line with differing specifications in order to carry out insulation testing, acceptance testing, weighing, vibration testing and thermal testing.

The CSD Bespoke Process Equipment Solution

The CSD team designed, manufactured  and installed a bespoke process equipment solution comprising two mobile handlers. These handlers are designed to work with heavy duty electrical control panels of differing specifications. The mobile system is height adjustable to ensure it is compatible with the varied assembly line locations. A special allowance was included in the design to allow for the equipment to function safely whilst positioned on a ramp. This included in-built safety functionality so the handlers would not roll back if stopped on the ramp.

A battery meter was included on the trolley with the lifter automatically reducing speed to 10% when the battery voltage drops to a set level to remind the operators to place the handle on charge.

The tooling was designed to extend and retract on linear bearings for fine adjustment without the need to adjust the base unit. A tilt mechanism was also incorporated to tilt the product by 2 degrees controlled by a manual lever.

This mobile industrial manipulator was manufactured in our facility in Hertfordshire and installed and commissioned on site for the customer. If you would like to find out more about our range of lifting and handling equipment please visit our product pages.