Airless Tire Spoke Assembly With Elastically Suspended Pushers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly tools for airless tires are sensitive to friction variations, leading to potential jamming, non-uniform spoke bonding, and mechanical wear, resulting in inconsistent tire quality and reduced tool lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An assembly device with individually controlled pressing sub-assemblies, each comprising a traveller and lever system that applies a clamping force through a bearing member, allowing precise adjustment of radial compressive forces and elastic suspension, ensuring uniform spoke fastening and robust assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If membranes are used to drive pushers simultaneously, then assembly speed is improved, but uniformity of spoke bonding deteriorates due to friction variations and mechanical behavior differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single membrane-driven system into multiple independent lever mechanisms, each associated with a specific pusher. This segmentation allows individual control of each pusher while maintaining simultaneous operation, resolving the contradiction between assembly speed and bonding uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanisms are designed to be radially movable relative to the central axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of pusher positions. This dynamic capability enables each pusher to adapt to local variations in friction and mechanical behavior, ensuring uniform spoke bonding while maintaining high assembly speed.
2Strength
If radial compressive force is increased to ensure strong spoke bonding, then bonding strength is improved, but risk of pusher jamming and positioning defects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanisms are designed with built-in compliance that acts as a cushion against excessive forces. The radial movability of the levers allows them to absorb shocks and variations in resistance, preventing pusher jamming while maintaining sufficient bonding strength through controlled application of radial compressive force.
3Device complexity
If membranes are used for actuation, then simple actuation mechanism is achieved, but mechanical attack from abrasion and puncturing limits service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the membrane-based pneumatic actuation system with a mechanically robust lever-based system. The levers are radially movable and can be actuated by various means (manual, automated, or pneumatic), providing a more durable solution resistant to abrasion and puncturing while maintaining actuation functionality.
4Measurement precision
If individual control of each pusher is implemented, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs identical lever mechanisms for each pusher, creating a universal module that can be replicated around the central axis. This standardization approach allows individual control of each pusher for precise positioning while minimizing overall system complexity through component uniformity and modularity.
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 device enables fast, reliable, and uniform assembly of airless tires with high quality and durability, minimizing manufacturing cycle time and reducing mechanical stress on components.
Implementation Method 1
provides, like a spring, through the elastic bending capacity of said lever, elastic radial suspension of the pusher vis-à-vis the traveller
Data Source
AI summary
A device for assembling an airless tire (2) comprising a hub (3) of central axis (Z3), a peripheral annular band (4) and a plurality of spokes (5) that connect the hub (3) to the peripheral annular band (4) comprises a plurality of pressing sub-assemblies (10) each comprising pushers (11, 12) for pressing the feet (6, 7) of the spokes (5) against the hub (3) and the peripheral annular band (4) respectively, as (20) and each hold a lever (15, 16) that makes it possible to transmit a clamping force (F15, F16) to the pusher (11, 12) while ensuring elastic radial suspension of the pusher (11, 12) vis-à-vis the traveller (13, 14) and therefore against the foot (6, 7) of the spoke and the hub (3) or the peripheral annular ring (4) well as travellers (13, 14) that are mounted radially movably under the control of a drive system respectively.