Product Press Release

Ergonomic Lift Solution for Aircraft Engine Assembly

(Niagara Falls, NY  January 29, 2002)  Handling Specialty recently tackled an ergonomic lifting challenge for a major aircraft engine manufacturer.  The engine manufacturer wished to adopt an inline workstation concept for aircraft engine assembly.  Six ergonomic assembly stations were required that could move the engine and its dedicated cart both above and below floor level.  The challenge was that the lifts could not be visible above floor level at any time and had to be precise while providing smooth, synchronized, level lifting through the entire range of travel to prevent jarring of the aircraft engine.

The solution offered by Handling Specialty was a four-post, pit-mounted, mechanical mast lift.  Because the lift posts could not reach above floor level, the lift platform was designed to interface with the client’s 36” high fixture plate.  The height of the plate permits the lift platform to remain always below floor level and yet allows the engine to be lifted up to 36” above the floor.  The plate also plays an important role in receiving and positioning the load on the lift.  

Because jarring of the engine was to be absolutely avoided, the design had to provide both precise positioning of the lift at floor level and secure load holding at any position.  To meet these objectives, ball screw actuation was selected to work in conjunction with guides on the lifting columns.  The lift also features a minimal deflection rate since only a 1/8” gap was permitted between the lift and the surrounding floor.

Considering the nature of the payload and proximity of personnel, free fall protection was also an important element of the lift’s design.  The lift incorporates a second level of redundancy in the form of load path inserts and a secondary brake.

Specifications
Model #MAST98-50	5,000 lb. capacity	Mechanical actuation	50" long, 50" wide	98” vertical travel

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For further information contact:
 
Kelly Chadwick, x244
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
kchadwick@handling.com
1-800-559-8366