Actuator Unit Force Amplification for Compact Tyre Changing Machines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid-dynamic actuators used in tyre changing machines are limited in producing high forces due to their compact size, which is a constraint in handling large and heavy vehicle wheels, as they require extensive piston surfaces and thus larger actuators, making it difficult to achieve sufficient locking force for wheels.
Innovation Solution
An actuator unit with force amplification means, featuring a piston with an eccentric connecting bracket and a system of connecting rods and levers that amplify the actuation force, allowing for high force generation in a compact design, enabling effective locking of large wheel rims without the need for large rotating platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the actuator size is reduced to fit within the compact base of the tyre changing machine, then the device complexity and space requirements are improved, but the force generation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical amplification mechanism consisting of a lever arm and connecting rod is introduced as an intermediary between the piston and the rod. The lever arm pivots on the piston rod and transmits force to the connecting rod, which then acts on the wheel locking mechanism. This intermediary mechanism allows a small piston to generate large output forces through mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from direct linear force transmission to a rotational-dimended mechanism. The lever arm rotates about a pivot point on the piston rod, converting linear piston motion into rotational motion that then drives the connecting rod. This dimensional change enables force amplification while maintaining compact actuator dimensions.
2Ease of operation
If a small actuator is used due to space constraints in the base, then the ease of operation and space utilization are improved, but the locking force on heavy wheels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm acts as a mechanical intermediary that amplifies the force from the small piston. By positioning the pivot point and connecting rod attachment point at specific locations on the lever arm, the system achieves mechanical advantage, allowing compact actuators to generate sufficient locking force for heavy wheels.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses dynamic motion transformation where the lever arm rotates during operation. The rotational movement of the lever arm, combined with the reciprocating motion of the connecting rod, creates a dynamic force multiplication effect that enables small actuators to lock heavy wheels effectively.
3Force
If the piston surface area is increased to generate higher forces, then the force generation capability is improved, but the actuator size and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing piston surface area, the invention introduces a lever arm intermediary that provides mechanical advantage. This approach generates higher output forces without requiring larger pistons, thereby maintaining simple actuator construction and avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The force generation function is segmented into two independent components: the piston generates base force, and the lever arm mechanism provides force amplification. This segmentation allows each component to remain simple and compact while achieving high overall force output, avoiding the need for a single large complex piston.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The actuator unit achieves high absolute force values in a small form factor, enabling secure locking and unlocking of wheel rims on tyre changing machines, even for heavy vehicles, without requiring extensive machinery, thus enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The piston 4 is operated by a fluid that is let into the sliding chamber 3 and which makes the piston move in one direction or the other, pushing against its cross surface. The force developed by the piston is determined by the pressure exerted by the fluid and by the overall area of the piston
Implementation Method 2
The actuator unit comprises force amplification means including a piston with an eccentric connecting bracket and a system of connecting rods and levers that amplify the actuation force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The actuator unit (1) comprises a hollow body (2) defining a sliding chamber inside (3, 103, 203); a piston (4) mounted sliding inside said sliding chamber (3, 103, 203) in such a way as to provide an actuation force (F) and operated by a fluid fed from outside; a body (6) having one transmission end (6B) for the transmission of said actuation force prolonged outside said sliding chamber (3, 103, 203) and one hooking end (6A) hooked to said piston (4), amplification means (18, 21, 23) being interposed between said body (6) and said piston (4) to amplify said actuation force (f) so as to obtain an amplified actuation force (F1).