Elongate Arbor for Large Wheel Mounting Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mounting and dismounting large vehicle wheels is a difficult and hazardous process due to their instability in the vertical position, with existing methods like chains or slings often failing to maintain a steady, straight alignment for inserting lug studs onto the axle hub, and interfering with vehicle bodywork.
Innovation Solution
An elongate arbor with a flange and tapered pins is used to secure and align the wheel vertically, allowing for easier insertion of mounting studs, which can be lifted and maneuvered using a forklift or crane, and features additional holes for securing the arbor to the wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If chains or slings are used to lift and position the wheel, then the wheel can be transported and positioned, but the wheel cannot be held in a steady, straight vertical position for aligning and inserting lug studs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an arbor as an intermediary device between the lifting mechanism and the wheel. The arbor includes a vertical support structure with alignment features (such as a vertical rod or guide) that directly contacts the wheel hub or rim to maintain precise vertical alignment. This intermediary structure transfers the lifting force while simultaneously providing the alignment function that chains or slings cannot provide, resolving the contradiction between ease of positioning and alignment precision.
2Ease of operation
If chains or slings are used to suspend the wheel from an overhead lifting device, then the wheel can be lifted and positioned, but the suspension interferes with vehicle bodywork such as fenders
Solution Approach 1:
The arbor serves as an intermediary lifting apparatus that attaches to the wheel hub or rim and extends upward to connect with the overhead lifting device. By positioning the arbor's attachment point away from the wheel perimeter (at the hub or rim center), the lifting operation is performed without chains or slings extending outward to interfere with fenders or other bodywork. The arbor consolidates the lifting function into a compact, non-interfering configuration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the wheel is transported in the horizontal position, then it is stable during transport, but it must be upended and held vertically for mounting, creating instability
Solution Approach 1:
The arbor is designed with features that enable the wheel to be preliminarily positioned and stabilized in the vertical orientation before the mounting operation begins. The arbor's alignment features (vertical rods, guide surfaces, or alignment pins) are engaged with corresponding features on the wheel hub or rim to maintain vertical stability. This preliminary stabilization action allows the wheel to be held securely in the vertical position throughout the stud insertion process, eliminating the instability that would otherwise make mounting difficult and hazardous.
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
Facilitates safe and efficient mounting and dismounting of large wheels by maintaining a stable vertical position and aligning studs accurately, reducing the risk of accidents and damage to vehicle components.
Implementation Method 1
The wheel to be mounted has tapped holes created to match the arbor flange apertures for mounting the wheel onto the arbor with threaded studs
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an elongate arbor for mounting a wheel or wheel/tire combination onto an axle of a vehicle. One of the axle hub or the wheel bears threaded studs and the other bears tapped holes. The elongate arbor is terminated at one end with elongate fork tubes and at the opposite end with a flange having a plurality of apertures, says 3 apertures. The wheel to be mounted has tapped holes created to match the arbor flange apertures for mounting the wheel onto the arbor with threaded studs. Forks from, for example, a forklift, can be inserted into the elongate forklift tubes to lift and maneuver the arbor/wheel combination to align the wheel mounts with the axle mounts and threaded studs inserted for securement. The large wheel now can be mounted to axle hub of the vehicle.