Articulated Tire Handler With Positive Retention and Cab Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire handling apparatus for heavy vehicles are cumbersome, slow, and require multiple operators, posing safety risks and limiting maneuverability, with inadequate visibility and reliance on friction for tire security.
Innovation Solution
A tire handling apparatus with an attachment frame for forklifts or front-end loaders, featuring articulated arms with pivotable distal and proximal portions, and a tire retaining sub-assembly with upper and lower retainers and push cylinder assemblies for secure and controlled tire handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gripping force is applied across opposing sides of the tire rim to support the tire during suspension and orientation, then the tire can be held in position, but the tire may either fall if the gripping force is insufficient or be damaged if the gripping force is too tight
Solution Approach 1:
A positive securing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the gripping arrangement and the tire rim. This mechanism provides a fail-safe positive engagement that prevents tire drop without requiring excessive gripping force, thereby eliminating the harmful factors of both insufficient and excessive gripping while maintaining reliable tire security.
2Illumination intensity
If additional operators are used to spot for the primary operator to overcome visibility issues, then visibility is improved, but the operation rate is slowed and the risk of accidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
A camera system captures visual information from the hazardous location and transmits it to a display in the operator's cab, creating a visual copy of the remote view. This allows the primary operator to have both hands on controls while maintaining full visibility, eliminating the need for additional spotter operators and maintaining high operation rates without compromising safety.
3Reliability
If a tire is over-compressed during fitting, then the tire may be securely held, but the tire cannot be easily inserted into position and secured to the wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping arrangement is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing the gripping force to be precisely controlled and modified during the tire fitting process. This enables the system to apply sufficient force for secure retention while maintaining enough flexibility to allow easy tire insertion and adjustment, resolving the contradiction between secure holding and ease of insertion.
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 apparatus enables a single operator to efficiently handle heavy vehicle tires with improved visibility, secure tire retention, and enhanced maneuverability, reducing the risk of accidents and increasing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
push cylinder assemblies for secure and controlled tire handling
Implementation Method 2
the proximal and distal arm portions are pivotally connected to each other to effect sideways movement of the distal arm portions towards and away from each other
Data Source
AI summary
A tire handling apparatus adapted to grip, lift and move a tire in one or more directions, the apparatus comprising: an attachment frame configured for attachment to a forklift or a front end loader, the attachment frame being movably disposed when attached to said forklift or front end loader; a tire handling frame supported on said attachment frame, the tire handling frame comprising: two spaced apart articulated arms, each arm having proximal and distal arm portions whereby the proximal arm portion is proximately coupled to the attachment frame, said proximal and distal arm portions being arranged to effect sideways movement of the distal arm portions towards and away from each other; wherein each of said distal arm portions is attached to a respective tire retaining sub-assembly comprising an upper retainer that is vertically spaced apart from a lower retainer.