Flexible Wheel Handling Device for Single-Operator Lifting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wheel handling devices for vehicles are complex and require multiple operators to lift and position heavy wheels, posing safety risks and inefficiencies in assembly lines and repair workshops.

Innovation Solution

A simple handling device with flexible non-elastic attachments and fastening means that encircles the tire 360°, allowing a single operator to lift and position heavy wheels onto a vehicle hub using a winch and bridge crane, reducing physical effort and operator numbers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a device with metallic cables and jaws is used to handle heavy wheels, then the wheel can be lifted and held vertically, but the device becomes complex and requires multiple operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handling device is divided into two independent attachments (first attachment and second attachment) that can be positioned separately on opposite sides of the wheel. Each attachment has its own fastening means, allowing the device to be assembled and positioned in a simplified manner without requiring complex integrated structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using rigid metallic cables and jaws that require precise positioning from both sides, the invention uses flexible non-elastic attachments that can be easily positioned and fastened on each side of the wheel independently, reversing the approach from rigid centralized structure to flexible distributed structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If jaws and cables are positioned on both sides of the wheel, then the wheel can be securely handled, but access to both sides is required and multiple operators are needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel securingVSAvoidoperator accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The securing function is segmented into two independent attachments that can be positioned and fastened separately on each side of the wheel. This segmentation allows each attachment to be handled independently, improving accessibility and reducing the need for multiple operators while maintaining reliable securing through the combined action of both attachments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible non-elastic attachments are designed to be easily positioned and fastened by a single operator without requiring assistance from multiple sides. The attachments self-adjust to the wheel position and can be secured using simple fastening means that do not require complex positioning or multiple hands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Weight of moving object

If manual lifting is used for heavy wheels, then the wheel can be moved from storage to mounting position, but physical effort and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel massVSAvoidphysical effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible non-elastic attachments serve as intermediaries between the wheel and the lifting mechanism. These attachments distribute the weight of the heavy wheel across multiple contact points on the wheel rim, allowing a single operator to safely handle and lift the wheel without direct manual lifting, thereby reducing physical effort and safety risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8733809B2Handling device for a wheel of a vehicle and handling process for a wheel using such a device

Publication Date: 2014.05.27 NEXTER SYST SA

AI summary

A method and apparatus for handling a wheel of large mass from a storage position to enable its mounting onto the hub of a vehicle, wherein the method includes placing a tire in a handling device having two ends which are of substantially equal length, the length being longer than the perimeter of the wheel, between two ends of the handling device, bringing together the ends of the handling device so as to imprison the wheel within the handling device, and hooking the ends of the handling device into a handling and lifting device.