Dispenser for Wheel Balancing Weights with Segmented Tape

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual handling of self-adhesive balancing weights for vehicle wheels is time-consuming and prone to errors, limiting balancing precision due to the need for large weight segments and inaccurate positioning.

Innovation Solution

An automatic dispenser with a transport section and cutting section that uses a belt of balancing weight segments held by self-adhesive tape, featuring a centering mark by partial cuts in the tape and/or liner, and a cutting mechanism with a knife guided by a belt guide to separate segments precisely, allowing for precise positioning and cutting of small weight segments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual handling of balancing weight segments is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is reduced and manufacturing precision is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of balancing weight applicationVSAvoiddifficulty of handling small weight segments
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The balancing weight belt is segmented into individual weight segments separated by gaps, allowing automated cutting and handling while maintaining the ability to apply precise portions to the wheel rim

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A self-adhesive tape serves as an intermediary carrier that holds multiple balancing weight segments in a continuous belt, enabling automated dispensing while ensuring precise placement through the adhesive mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If large weight segments are used for manual handling, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision is worsened due to limited weight resolution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebalancing precisionVSAvoiddifficulty of handling small weight segments
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The balancing weight system is divided into multiple small segments along a continuous belt, enabling precise mass selection through automated counting and cutting while maintaining ease of handling through the continuous belt structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of segment size from large manual segments to small automated segments (5g or less), enabling higher precision balancing while using automation to overcome handling difficulties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If manual cutting and counting of balancing weight segments is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity is reduced and manufacturing precision is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of balancing weight dispensingVSAvoidcomplexity of automatic dispenser
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting mechanism serves multiple functions: it separates individual segments, creates gaps for positioning, and works with the adhesive tape system to enable both dispensing and precise placement in a single integrated process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The balancing weight segments are pre-positioned on the self-adhesive tape in a continuous belt with predetermined spacing, allowing the automated system to simply cut and dispense without complex measurement or positioning operations during application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If manual positioning of balancing weights is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision is worsened due to positioning errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracy of balancing weightVSAvoidcomplexity of positioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The self-adhesive tape automatically positions and secures the balancing weight segments to the wheel rim through the adhesive mechanism, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning devices while ensuring precise placement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive tape is pre-prepared with segments positioned at precise intervals during manufacturing, so that during application the system only needs to cut and apply without complex real-time positioning operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3415789B1Dispenser for wheel balancing weights
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 WEGMANN AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP3415789B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3415789B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3415789B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A balancing weight (110, 112) for vehicle wheels comprises a plurality of weight segments (105) held by a self-adhesive tape (101). It has a center mark by a partial cut (111, 113) between adjacent weight segments (105) at a position closest to the center of the balancing weight (110, 112).