The client required a safe way to protect operators from the reactive torque forces of a fastening process for a cotton bailer assembly. Additionally, the fastener had to be driven bottom-up so the operator had to push up to keep the tool engaged, creating an ergonomic issue.
GCI designed a custom low-profile torque reaction arm capable of absorbing the 680 NM required for the assembly process. This arm also features a load-balancing mechanism to enable effortless vertical movement for the operator.
In order to tackle the process of fastening from the bottom-up, an upward force is applied to elevate the arm during tool operation. This functionality is incorporated into the remote start handle, which enhances safety by interacting with a PLC to confirm the engagement of brakes prior to tool activation.