Hirth Coupling Rim Exchange for Tire Balance Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rim exchange in tire balance measurement apparatuses is time-consuming and inefficient due to the need for centering and re-correction tasks when changing tire sizes, which affects the precision and efficiency of dynamic balance measurements.

Innovation Solution

A rim exchange device with an automatic alignment function and a chuck mechanism that allows for precise alignment and fixation of the lower rim to the spindle without the need for bolts, using couplings like Curvice or Hirth couplings and a chuck mechanism with a lock member and engagement member for secure attachment, enabling quick and precise rim exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lower rim is coupled to the spindle by bolts with manual centering, then the lower rim can be securely fixed, but the rim exchange becomes time-consuming and requires re-correction tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixation of lower rimVSAvoidrim exchange time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional bolt fastening system with a coupling mechanism having automatic alignment function (such as Curvice coupling or Hirth coupling). This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for manual centering and bolt tightening operations, allowing the lower rim to be quickly attached to the spindle simply by lowering it into position where the couplings automatically mesh and align the components coaxially.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism provides self-aligning and self-centering functionality through its automatic alignment feature. When the lower rim is lowered onto the spindle, the coupling teeth automatically engage and orient the lower rim coaxially with the spindle without requiring external centering operations or manual adjustment, making the system self-sufficient for positioning and fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual centering and re-correction tasks are performed during rim exchange, then measurement precision is maintained, but working efficiency of the measurement apparatus is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic balance measurement precisionVSAvoidworking efficiency of measurement apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic alignment coupling mechanism replaces manual centering operations, ensuring that the lower rim is precisely positioned coaxially with the spindle through the self-aligning coupling teeth. This mechanical solution maintains measurement precision by eliminating human error in centering while dramatically reducing the time required for rim exchange, thus improving working efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism performs its own alignment and centering functions automatically when the lower rim is attached to the spindle. This self-service capability ensures consistent, precise coaxial alignment without requiring external centering operations or re-correction tasks, thereby maintaining measurement precision while enhancing productivity by eliminating time-consuming manual procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If bolts are used to fix the lower rim to the spindle, then secure attachment is achieved, but the rim exchange process becomes inconvenient and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strength of lower rimVSAvoidrim exchange operation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the multi-step bolt fastening system with a coupling mechanism where the lower rim is attached to the spindle by simply lowering it into position. The coupling teeth automatically engage and lock the lower rim securely to the spindle, providing strong attachment without requiring tools, tightening operations, or complex procedures, thereby greatly simplifying the rim exchange operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism automatically performs the attachment function when the lower rim is lowered onto the spindle. The coupling teeth self-engage and secure the connection without requiring external fastening operations, making the attachment process as simple as placing the component in position while maintaining secure, reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9464964B2Rim replacing device in tire balance measuring device

Publication Date: 2016.10.11 YAMATO SCALE CO LTD

AI summary

A lower side coupling of a Hirth coupling is coaxially coupled and fixed to a spindle, an upper side coupling of the Hirth coupling is coaxially coupled and fixed to a lower rim, the upper side coupling of the lower rim is meshed with the lower side coupling of the spindle, and upward separation of the lower rim from the spindle is prevented by chuck mechanisms.