Articulating Load Balancer for Precise Heavy Tire Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing large, heavy tires on earth-moving equipment is difficult due to the challenge of orienting them correctly using cranes, which often result in tires being angled relative to vertical, making precise positioning challenging.
Innovation Solution
An articulating load balancer with a support mechanism and linkage assemblies that maintain the center of gravity aligned with a vertical axis during articulation, allowing for precise orientation and positioning of heavy loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a crane is used to lift heavy tires, then the lifting capability is sufficient, but the tire becomes oriented at an angle relative to vertical making positioning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The load balancer uses a counterweight mechanism to offset the weight of the tire, allowing the tire to be suspended in a balanced state. This enables precise positioning and orientation adjustments without the tire swinging or tilting uncontrollably, directly addressing the positioning precision problem while maintaining sufficient lifting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating assembly provides dynamic movement capability, allowing the support assembly to articulate between multiple positions. This enables the operator to adjust the tire's orientation dynamically during the positioning process, transforming the static crane suspension into a dynamically adjustable system that maintains vertical alignment
2Manufacturing precision
If an articulating assembly is added to maintain center of gravity alignment, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the load, enables articulation between different positions, and maintains center of gravity alignment. By combining these functions into a single integrated mechanism, the design achieves high alignment precision without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly acts as an intermediary between the articulating assembly and the load. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection while enabling precise orientation control, mediating between the complex articulating mechanism and the simple load requirement
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
Enables easy and precise alignment of heavy loads, such as tires, onto machinery by maintaining the center of gravity aligned, facilitating correct installation and removal processes.
Implementation Method 1
The center of gravity remains substantially aligned with the support mechanism during the articulation of the support assembly between the first position and the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A load balancer includes an articulating assembly connected with a support mechanism. The articulating assembly is connected to a support assembly where the support assembly is able to secure a load thereto. The articulating assembly articulates the support assembly and thereby the load between a first position and a second position. The articulating assembly includes at least one linkage assembly interposed between the attachment member and the support assembly. The at least one linkage assembly includes an arm and an actuator where the actuator is selectively pivotable relative to the arm. The load balance and the load together have a center of gravity. The center of gravity remains substantially aligned with an attachment to the support mechanism during the articulation of the support assembly between the first position and the second position.