Handling Module With Movable Grippers For Wheel Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling modules for vehicle wheels cannot adjust for structural tolerances between wheels, leading to imprecise transfer between operating stations, especially when handling wheels of different types or materials.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating translational devices in gripping units that allow contact pressure elements to move parallel to the axis of rotation, enabling adjustment of vehicle wheel positions to compensate for structural differences and ensuring consistent contact points, allowing for precise handling and alignment of multiple wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If vehicle wheels are gripped by the handling module without position adjustment, then handling simplicity is maintained, but transfer precision deteriorates due to structural tolerances causing different overall heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the contact pressure elements movable rather than fixed. Each contact pressure element can be individually adjusted in position to accommodate structural tolerances and different wheel heights, enabling precise transfer while maintaining handling simplicity through automated adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the contact pressure elements to vary their position parameters (height, radial position) to match the specific dimensions of each wheel being handled. This enables the system to adapt to different wheel types and tolerances, improving transfer precision without requiring complex manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all contact pressure elements are fixed in position, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different wheel types and tolerances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping units incorporate movable contact pressure elements that can dynamically adjust their positions to accommodate different wheel types, sizes, and structural tolerances. This dynamic capability provides high adaptability while the automated control system manages the complexity, making the adjustment process transparent to the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing contact pressure elements that can serve multiple functions: gripping different wheel types, compensating for tolerances, and adjusting to various positions. This multi-functionality allows a single gripping unit design to handle diverse wheel variations without requiring multiple specialized tools.
3Manufacturing precision
If vehicle wheels are kept immobile in relation to the handling device, then handling simplicity is maintained, but placement precision on carrying structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pressure elements perform self-adjustment to achieve precise wheel positioning. The elements automatically move to appropriate positions based on wheel dimensions and tolerances, enabling precise placement on carrying structures without requiring complex manual positioning operations by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic position adjustment of contact pressure elements during the handling process to ensure precise placement. The elements can move radially and axially to compensate for wheel variations, achieving high placement precision while the automated control maintains operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A handling module for handling vehicle wheels in an installation for the surface treatment thereof and having at least two gripping units which are supported by a frame structure and each of which comprises a plurality of press-on elements which are pressable onto one or more counter surfaces of an individual vehicle wheel. At least one of the gripping units includes a translation device by which the press-on elements are movable in relation to the frame structure with a movement component which is parallel to the axis of rotation of a gripped vehicle wheel.