DIFFERENTIAL HOIST
CHALLENGE: An automobile manufacturer needed a means to transfer vehicle differentials from a dunnage rack to an assembly fixture (see also the Differential Tightening Stand). The operator needed to hold the heavy differentials securely, but also be able to quickly clamp and release them.
Also, the dunnage rack held a number of differentials in an upright orientation and clearance to grab each differential was limited.
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SOLUTION: A custom-designed lifting jig uses narrow fingers to reach between the parts in the dunnage rack. A ratcheting hand crank and acme screw device cams the fingers closed around the differential and pulls them up to securely hold the part.
Once the part is placed in the fixture, a manual lever disengages the ratchet pawl to allow the operator to release it.