Compact Retaining Arm for Confined Space Tire Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large earthmoving vehicles require cumbersome machinery for replacing oversized tires, which is difficult to maneuver in space-limited environments like workshops, necessitating multiple staff and bulky equipment.
Innovation Solution
An article handling apparatus with a compact footprint, featuring a frame with wheels and retractable, adjustable retaining arms that securely clamp articles like tires, allowing controlled movement and rotation, enabling easy handling and installation in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bulky machinery is used to replace oversized tyres, then the tyres can be lifted and handled, but the equipment becomes difficult to manoeuvre in space-limited environments
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device is divided into separate functional modules: a movable base unit with wheels for transport, and a retaining arm assembly that can be positioned and secured independently. This segmentation allows the device to be compact for movement yet provide sufficient lifting capability when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining arm is designed with movable and adjustable components that allow it to transition from a compact storage position to an extended operational position. The arm can be positioned at different angles and heights to accommodate various tyre sizes, providing dynamic adaptability rather than a fixed bulky structure.
2Strength
If multiple staff and bulky machinery are used, then oversized tyres can be replaced, but the device footprint becomes large and requires significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the heavy-duty retaining function from the base support structure, allowing the retaining arm to be slender and low-profile when not in use. The arm assembly can be stored close to the base unit, minimizing the overall footprint in workshop environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining arm can be positioned to nest alongside or adjacent to the base unit when not actively handling tyres. The design allows components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces efficiently, reducing the total area required for storage and non-operational states.
3Strength
If conventional lifting equipment is used, then tyres can be lifted, but the equipment is not compact and easily transportable
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit is equipped with wheels and designed to be easily moved to different locations. The retaining arm assembly can be collapsed or repositioned to a compact configuration for transport, then quickly deployed to the required position for tyre handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to handle various sizes and types of tyres through adjustable retaining arms and positioning mechanisms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for different specialized equipment for different tyre sizes, making the single device both compact and universally applicable.
Data Source
AI summary
An article handling apparatus including a frame adapted to receive the article on a support structure, a number of wheels attached to the frame for movement of the frame over a substrate surface, and retaining arms operatively coupled to the frame and adapted to releasably secure the article to the frame. The secured article is movable in a controlled manner with respect to the frame by movement of the support structure and the retaining arms.