Balancing Machine Wheel Illumination and Reference Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional balancing machines for vehicle wheels face challenges in providing adequate lighting for operators to precisely fit balancing weights, leading to difficulties in identifying exact positioning due to non-uniform and partial lighting, and the complexity and cost of mobile laser pointers.
Innovation Solution
A balancing machine with a ring pattern of LEDs around the balancing shaft for uniform illumination and integrated laser pointers projecting centripetal lines to mark cardinal reference points on the wheel, facilitating precise weight placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a halogen lamp is used to light the inner face of the wheel, then illumination is provided, but the lighting is non-uniform and partial
Solution Approach 1:
The single halogen lamp is replaced by multiple LED light sources arranged in a ring pattern around the balancing shaft. This segmentation of the illumination system ensures that light is emitted from multiple positions simultaneously, covering the entire inner face of the wheel uniformly without creating shadow areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system transitions from a single-point source (halogen lamp underneath) to a distributed ring-shaped array around the balancing shaft. This dimensional change from linear/point arrangement to circular distribution enables uniform 360-degree illumination of the wheel's inner surface.
2Ease of operation
If manual balancing weight fitting is performed, then the operation can be done, but it is difficult and time-consuming due to poor lighting and identification of reference points
Solution Approach 1:
The laser pointer pre-markes the exact reference points (12, 3, 6, 9 o'clock positions) on the wheel before the operator performs the balancing weight fitting. This preliminary marking action eliminates the time-consuming process of manually locating and identifying reference points during the fitting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser pointer acts as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between the balancing machine's reference system and the operator's visual identification. It projects visible laser lines that clearly indicate the precise positions where balancing weights should be fitted, making the operation easier and faster.
3Measurement precision
If a mobile laser pointer on actuators is used to identify reference points, then precise positioning is achieved, but the device becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing shaft serves multiple functions: it rotates the wheel for balancing measurements and simultaneously supports the fixed laser pointer that marks reference points. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mobile laser pointers on actuators, reducing system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the laser pointer to track the wheel position (mobile laser on actuators), the solution inverts the approach by making the laser pointer fixed and the wheel rotate into position. The reference points are marked in the stationary reference frame, simplifying the system architecture.
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, quick, and precise fitting of balancing weights with uniform lighting and clear reference points, improving operational efficiency and reducing operator error.
Implementation Method 1
such illumination means being defined by a plurality of light sources, made up of LEDs, directed towards said side surface of the wheel
Implementation Method 2
The machine (1) has a plurality of pattern generators (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) arranged substantially around said balancing shaft (3) and suitable for projecting at least an image onto the wheel (R) to identify reference points thereon
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The balancing machine for balancing vehicle wheels comprises a base frame supporting a balancing shaft (3) for balancing a vehicle wheel and illumination means (4) for illuminating the wheel which comprise a plurality of light sources arranged substantially around the balancing shaft (3).