Hoist-Mounted End Effector for Engine Components

The client was looking for an industrial lift-assist solution to safely and ergonomically move an engine component into the assembly.

GCI designed a custom end effector mounted to grab the part and lift it through the power of the overhead hoist. While raising the part up and overhead of the operator, the linear balance handle keeps the controls at an ideal ergonomic height.

The tractor drive on the overhead system powers the lateral movement. The powered center-of-gravity shift then allows the operator to align the part with the assembly correctly. To ensure the part isn’t released inadvertently during this process, the “Safety” lever acts as a redundancy to disengage the part.