Resolving the Ergonomics Problem of the Tailgate Fixture on the Robotic Production Line

In this study, a novel technique was developed to solve ergonomic problems that were encountered in a robotic production line. Ergonomic is essential in production lines both for physical health of operators and for the improvement of the cycle time. In this process of tailgate in the robotic production line, the operator in the field bends over more than it should. This situation eventually impairs the health of the operator. The fixture must be horizontal for this sealing process, and it must have a safe angle for the operator. The operator starts the process after positioning a part and a sealer robot starts sealing process. This ergonomic problem was solved by designing a piston and bearing mechanism. The main problem is the positioning of the piston in the design. For this, position of the piston was calculated and determined. Then an appropriate CAD design was developed. Designed parts were manufactured and assembled with standard equipment. The ergonomic analysis was successfully completed and assembled to the production process.