Vacuum Gripper for Oil Pan Installation

The client needed a safe and ergonomic way to handle multiple oil pan models for an installation process.

GCI designed a hook mounted vacuum gripper with the hoist controls built directly into the handle for simple vertical movement. One set of vacuum cups can accommodate different oil pan models using a manual height adjustment pin. The gripper also includes a center of gravity adjustment to help balance the different weight distribution of each model.

For added safety, the system uses one button to grip the part and requires two buttons to release it. A load cell prevents the oil pan from being released until it has been safely set down. Visual indicators confirm when the load is supported and ready for release, while separate indicators show when each vacuum circuit is active.