Autonomous Wheel Changer Robot Using Lidar and Mecanum Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Technicians face inefficiencies and errors when manually rotating, replacing, or installing vehicle wheels, as they require manual operation of tools, can be time-consuming, and prone to mistakes such as misalignment or incorrect torque application.
Innovation Solution
A robotic wheel changing device equipped with a drive assembly, torque gun, sensor assembly, and controller, utilizing Mecanum wheels and lidar sensors to autonomously remove and attach wheels, rotate tires, and perform similar operations based on instructions generated by the controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual wheel rotation and replacement is performed by technicians, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity is low and time consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs wheel rotation and replacement operations autonomously without continuous human intervention. The robot navigates to vehicles, identifies wheels requiring service, removes and reinstalls wheels according to OEM patterns, and returns to base automatically, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for technicians to manually perform each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system equipped with specialized end effectors. The robot uses mechanical arms with grippers to handle wheels, torque guns to remove and install lug nuts, and sensors to guide operations, substituting human manual labor with automated mechanical systems that operate faster and more consistently.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual wheel installation is performed, then adaptability to different vehicles is maintained, but manufacturing precision and alignment accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback during wheel installation operations. The sensors detect wheel position, alignment with hub assemblies, and lug nut torque levels, allowing the control system to adjust operations dynamically to achieve precise alignment and proper torque application according to OEM specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot performs preliminary actions including navigating to the vehicle, identifying the correct wheel location, and positioning the wheel near the hub assembly before final installation. This preliminary positioning and preparation ensures that when the wheel is installed, it is already aligned correctly, improving precision while managing system complexity through structured operation sequences.
3Productivity
If factory floor equipment is used for wheel installation in assembly lines, then productivity increases, but device complexity and operational constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is divided into separate functional modules: a mobile base for navigation, robotic arms for wheel manipulation, end effectors for gripping and torque application, and sensor systems for guidance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system compared to integrated factory floor equipment, while maintaining high productivity through coordinated operation of specialized modules.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic wheel changer robot has a includes a drive assembly, a torque gun, a sensor assembly, and a controller. The drive assembly has a mobile base and two wheel-clamping assemblies, each configured to engage a wheel. The controller generates a set of instructions based, at least in part, on information obtained from the sensor assembly. The drive assembly uses the set of instructions to cooperatively remove respective wheels from respective hubs on a vehicle and/or attach respective wheels to respective hubs on a vehicle. The device may have lidar sensors and Mecanum wheels that the controller is programmed to use to move between respective hubs and wheel storage locations install wheels, replace wheels, rotate tires, and perform similar operations.