Adjustable Spindle Array for Multi-Radius Wheel Fastener Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic wheel attachment and detachment systems struggle with handling vehicles of varying wheel sizes, lug nut sizes, forms, and patterns, particularly in non-predictable environments where wheels may be positioned in less-than-ideal orientations.
Innovation Solution
A threaded fastener engaging/disengaging tool with a set of spindles mounted on a frame, featuring an adjustment mechanism using a guide unit and cam unit to synchronize spindle positions on a notional cylindrical surface, allowing for adaptable attachment and detachment of wheels with different fastener quantities and spacings, and incorporating sensors and a jig for precise alignment and spacing adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-configurated automatic wheel attachment apparatus is used, then the assembly process is simple and predictable, but the system cannot handle vehicles with different wheel sizes, lug nut sizes, forms, and patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs adjustable spindle positions and configurations that can be dynamically changed to match different wheel and lug nut patterns. The spindles can be repositioned along the circular array to accommodate varying fastener quantities and spacings, transforming a static system into an adaptive one capable of handling diverse vehicle configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple wheel sizes, lug nut sizes, forms, and patterns through a single device. The adjustable mechanism allows the same apparatus to serve multiple functions across different vehicle types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wheel positioning is not in ideal positions and orientations, then the system must accommodate various orientations, but this increases the difficulty of alignment and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus allows dynamic adjustment of spindle positions and orientations to match the actual wheel configuration. The spindles can be repositioned and reoriented to accommodate wheels in various positions, making the system adaptable to non-ideal orientations without requiring precise initial positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system appears to have self-aligning capabilities where the adjustable spindles can automatically or manually find the correct positioning for the wheel fasteners, reducing the operational complexity despite handling various orientations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fastener spacing and quantity vary, then the system must be highly adaptable, but this requires complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle array is designed with adjustable spacing and positioning capabilities that allow the fasteners to be accommodated in various circular patterns. The spindles can be dynamically repositioned along the circular path to match different fastener quantities and spacings, providing adaptability through a relatively streamlined adjustment mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Screw fastener engaging/disengaging apparatus suitable for attaching/detaching wheels to/from vehicles has a frame and a set of parallel spindles mounted on the frame for holding one type of screw fastener at the spindle ends. The spindle ends are arranged in a circular array with the spindles rotatable about their longitudinal axes. The screw fasteners are configured for screw engagement with screw fasteners of another type mounted on a wheel attachment member to/from which a wheel can be attached/detached. An adjustment mechanism collectively changes positions of the spindle axes between a circular array with a first radius and a circular array with a second radius.