Ball Joint Actuator Rod for Tire Bead Loosener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire changing machines require manual pivoting of the bead loosener arm after operation and have limited angular motion in their pivoting joints, leading to strain on the actuator rod and joint due to non-horizontal force vectors and inability to accommodate arm sag.
Innovation Solution
A wheel servicing machine with a bead loosener arm featuring a ball joint at the pivoting joint, allowing three degrees of freedom for the actuator rod, enabling it to pivot freely in both horizontal and vertical planes, thereby reducing manual effort and accommodating non-horizontal forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional pivoting joint is used to connect the actuator rod to the bead loosener arm, then the structure is simple, but the joint has limited angular motion and cannot accommodate non-horizontal force vectors, causing strain on the actuator and joint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane pivoting joint to a ball joint that enables motion in multiple dimensions. The ball joint allows the actuator rod to pivot not only in the horizontal plane but also in vertical planes, accommodating non-horizontal force vectors and eliminating the strain caused by limited angular motion.
2Ease of operation
If the actuator rod is coupled to the bead loosener arm at a fixed pivoting point, then the connection is stable, but the arm cannot accommodate sag during extended use and requires manual pivoting after operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed pivoting point with a ball joint that provides dynamic adaptability. The ball joint allows the actuator rod to self-adjust its orientation in multiple directions, automatically accommodating arm sag during extended use and eliminating the need for manual pivoting after operation, while maintaining connection stability through its spherical geometry and constraint mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel servicing machine has a bead loosener arm powered by an actuator attached to a machine base. The actuator includes a moveable actuator rod coupled to the bead loosener arm at a pivoting joint. The pivoting joint includes a joint having two or more angular degrees of freedom, such as a ball joint, in some embodiments. The pivoting joint allows the actuator rod end to pivot both in a major plane of rotation substantially parallel to the movement of the bead loosener arm as well as in one or more minor vertical planes. In some embodiments, the pivoting joint includes a socket positioned around a ball, forming a ball joint. The socket is coupled to the actuator rod, and a pin is disposed through a passage in the ball to pivotally secure the ball joint to the bead loosener arm.