Flared Contact Element for Automatic Low-Profile Tire Bead Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tire repair machines face difficulties in uninstalling low-profile and run-flat tires due to their rigid sides, which prevent the use of existing bead lifting tools, leading to potential damage and inaccurate positioning, especially when the space between the table top and tire is limited.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a round contact element having a flared surface and touching means for the rim, allowing for automatic and precise lifting of tire beads without deformation, integrated with a tire uninstalling and installing machine, enabling full automatic tire removal and installation without rim damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bead lifting tool is introduced between the base and the tire side, then the tire bead can be lifted over the rim edge, but the space between the table top and tire bottom is too small to allow tool introduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from attempting to lift the bead from below (vertical dimension constrained by small space) to lifting the bead from the side (horizontal dimension with sufficient space). The bead lifting tool is positioned laterally against the tire sidewall rather than being inserted vertically from beneath the tire, thereby bypassing the space constraint between the table top and tire bottom.
2Manufacturing precision
If a bead lifting tool with wide contact surface is used to prevent tire bending, then the lifting action becomes progressive, but the tool cannot be positioned accurately in the limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cylindrical or frustoconical contact element instead of a flat broad surface. This curved geometry naturally concentrates the lifting force along a progressive path while maintaining a compact form factor that can be positioned accurately in the limited lateral space. The curved surface progressively engages the tire bead as the tool moves, achieving both positioning accuracy and progressive lifting action.
3Productivity
If manual lifting of the bead is performed to create space for the tool, then the bead can be lifted over the rim edge, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the bead lifting tool to automatically engage and lift the tire bead without requiring manual pre-lifting operations. The tool's geometry and actuation mechanism enable it to self-position against the tire sidewall and progressively lift the bead as the table rotates, eliminating the need for manual intervention to create initial space or perform preliminary bead lifting.
4Reliability
If a bead lifting device is positioned next to the rim, then the lower bead can be lifted progressively, but the device may violently hit the rim edges and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the bead lifting tool and its contact element such that they engage the tire sidewall before making contact with the rim edge. The progressive lifting action is initiated while the tool is still engaged with the compliant tire material, which cushions the subsequent contact with the rigid rim. This sequencing prevents violent impacts by ensuring the tire itself absorbs the initial forces.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for tire uninstalling and installing machines includes an element for connection to a movable bearing member of the tire uninstalling and installing machine, which has a longitudinal axis, and a round contact element which is freely and rotatably supported by said connection member about a rotation axis and which has an external outline in contact with a contact portion of a side of a tire installed to a rim, the round element having a flared contacting and lifting surface suitable to contact and lift the tire from the rim, which has a base facing toward the rim and defining a first opposed vertex, touching means extending from the base toward the rim for touching a portion of the rim.