Adjustable Wheel Rim Locking Jaws for Workshop Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheel rim locking systems for vehicle repair workshop machines are inefficient and costly due to the complexity of manual jaw adjustments for rims of varying diameters, leading to increased operation times and potential mistakes.
Innovation Solution
A wheel rim locking appliance featuring a supporting structure with adjustable jaws, a movement arrangement, and an adjustment device with a threaded elongated element that allows precise positioning of the jaws without altering the actuator stroke, enabling easy and precise adjustment according to rim dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of each jaw is performed to accommodate rims of different dimensions, then the spindle can be used for various rim sizes, but the operation becomes complicated, time-consuming and prone to mistakes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment through the interconnected lever mechanism. When one jaw is manually positioned, the lever system automatically positions the other jaws to appropriate locations on the rim, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust each jaw individually and reducing adjustment time and errors
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle assembly is designed to handle multiple rim sizes and configurations through the combination of adjustable jaws and the lever-based self-positioning system, allowing a single device to serve multiple functions across different rim dimensions
2Length of moving object
If conventional jaw spindles are used with actuators fully extended, then the jaws reach maximum opening position, but the maximum diameter achievable is less than the diameter of larger rims
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw positioning system transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The jaws can be manually repositioned along the rim edge, and the lever system dynamically adapts the positions of all jaws based on the rim size, enabling the same spindle to accommodate both smaller and larger diameter rims
Solution Approach 2:
The rim engagement is divided into multiple independent jaw positions that can be individually adjusted. Each jaw can be positioned at different locations along the rim edge, allowing the system to adapt to various rim diameters by distributing the engagement points appropriately around the rim circumference
3Adaptability or versatility
If a positioning device with crankshaft is used to change jaw work position, then the jaws can be positioned in two extreme positions, but the device becomes structurally complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex crankshaft positioning device and bush integration system are removed from the design. Instead, a simpler manual adjustment mechanism is used where jaws can be directly positioned along the rim edge, and the lever system handles the coordination of jaw positions, eliminating unnecessary structural complexity while maintaining positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using a complex mechanism to actively position jaws through crankshaft rotation, the system inverts the approach by allowing jaws to be passively positioned manually and using the lever mechanism to distribute and coordinate these positions across all jaws, simplifying the overall structure
4Measurement precision
If a positioning device is used to change jaw work position, then jaw positioning is possible, but continuous adjustment operations are necessary for rims with different dimensions which are not extreme, increasing total operation times
Solution Approach 1:
The lever-connected jaw system performs self-adjustment across all jaws when one jaw is positioned. This self-service mechanism automatically coordinates the positions of all jaws based on the rim size, eliminating the need for operators to perform multiple separate adjustment operations for each jaw and significantly reducing total adjustment time for rims of different dimensions
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 appliance simplifies and speeds up the adjustment process, reducing the number of operations required for fitting and removal of rims of different dimensions while ensuring accurate positioning, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
having at least a threaded portion; at least a mobile element associated integral with at least one of said jaws and having at least a threaded hole inside which is engaged said threaded portion of the adjustment element, the rotation of said adjustment element around said longitudinal axis being suitable for moving said mobile element on said threaded portion
Data Source
AI summary
Appliance for locking wheel rims includes: a supporting structure associable with a rotation device of a repair workshop machine; at least two locking jaws for locking a wheel rim, which are associated with the supporting structure and move along a direction of reciprocal moving close/away between a position of maximum opening, and a position of minimum opening; a movement arrangement associated with the jaws for moving them between the positions of maximum and minimum opening; an adjustment device placed between the movement arrangement and at least one of the jaws, for adjusting the position of maximum and/or minimum opening and including a substantially elongated adjustment element associated with the movement arrangement, revolving around its own longitudinal axis and having a threaded portion, and a mobile element associated integral with at least one of the jaws and having a threaded hole for engagement with the threaded portion of the adjustment element.