Bicycle Wheel Spoke Placement with Multi-Gripper Rim Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spoke positioning and placement apparatuses for bicycle wheels can only place a single spoke at a time, lacking the capability for automatic and accurate assembly of multiple spokes simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A spoke positioning and placement apparatus that includes a rim handling device and a spoke handling device, with a vertically movable hub support to optimize hub positioning and a sensor-actuated spoke gripper for automatic bending and placement of spokes into selected holes in the rim.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single spoke is placed at a time using existing apparatus, then the placement operation is simple, but the productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The spoke handling device is divided into multiple independent spoke grippers (first spoke gripper, second spoke gripper, etc.), each capable of independently engaging and placing a spoke. This segmentation allows multiple spokes to be handled simultaneously while keeping each gripper's structure relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple spoke grippers are combined into a single integrated spoke handling device that operates in coordination with the rim handling device. The multiple grippers work together to place multiple spokes simultaneously, merging their individual functions into a unified system that achieves high productivity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual operation is used for spoke placement, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision and consistency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor is integrated into the spoke handling device to detect the position and status of spokes. The sensor provides feedback signals that enable the system to automatically adjust and verify spoke placement accuracy, ensuring consistent manufacturing precision while maintaining relatively simple automated operation without complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spoke handling device with sensor feedback enables automatic detection and correction of positioning errors. The system serves itself by using the sensor to monitor spoke placement and automatically making adjustments, achieving high manufacturing precision without requiring complex external control systems or manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hub is fixed at a single height, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different spoke configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hub support is designed to be vertically movable rather than fixed, allowing the hub to be dynamically adjusted to different heights. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the apparatus to accommodate spokes connected to different flanges (upper or bottom flange) while keeping the adjustment mechanism simple and straightforward, without requiring complex multi-axis positioning systems.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A spoke positioning and placement apparatus (1), comprising a rim handling device (2) for handling a rim (3) of a bicycle wheel (4), and a spoke handling device (5) for handling a spoke (6), which rim handling device (2) and spoke handling device (5) are arranged to execute a concerted operation for positioning a spoke (6) or spokes with reference to the rim (3), wherein the spoke handling device (5) is arranged to engage and bent a spoke (6) which is on a first side attached to an upper flange (15) or a bottom flange (16) of a hub of the bicycle wheel (4), and to subsequently position an end portion (6') of the spoke (6) opposite to the first side which is attached to the upper flange (15) or the bottom flange (16) of the hub of the bicycle wheel (4), in front of a selected spoke hole (9) in the rim (3), and to relax the spoke (6) and position said end portion (6') of the spoke (6) into the selected spoke hole (9) of the rim (3), wherein the apparatus (1) is arranged to hold the rim (3) in a horizontal plane, and the apparatus comprises a vertically movable hub support (17) for supporting the hub at a desired height with reference to the rim (3).