Lock Ring Spreader Crank Link Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lock rings, especially larger ones, require significant force to install and uninstall, and existing tools face challenges in ergonomic handling, particularly in harsh conditions like extreme temperatures and with gloved hands, leading to inefficiencies in wheel repair processes.
Innovation Solution
A lock ring spreader device with a crank arm and link arm mechanism that mounts to the lock ring, allowing for efficient expansion and contraction without plastic deformation, facilitating easy installation and removal by pivoting the crank arm radially inward to increase the distance between mounts, and featuring a dampener to control movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual force is applied to spread the lock ring ends, then the lock ring can be installed or removed, but excessive force is required and it becomes difficult to operate quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spreader tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the lock ring. This tool includes a first spreader arm that engages with the lock ring ends and a second spreader arm that provides leverage, allowing the operator to apply force efficiently to spread the lock ring ends without direct manual handling of the lock ring itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the force application function from direct manual operation and isolates it into a dedicated mechanical advantage system. The spreader tool separates the locking function (maintaining lock ring integrity) from the spreading function (opening the lock ring), allowing each to be optimized independently.
2Ease of operation
If the lock ring is spread to install or remove it, then the lock ring can be manipulated, but plastic deformation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader tool acts as a controlled intermediary that distributes spreading forces evenly across the lock ring structure. The first spreader arm engages with the lock ring ends while the second spreader arm provides controlled leverage, preventing localized stress concentrations that could cause plastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic spreading mechanism where the spreader arms can adjust their engagement points and leverage ratios during the spreading process. This allows the operator to apply just enough force to spread the lock ring ends without exceeding the material's elastic limit, maintaining dimensional integrity.
3Reliability
If thick gloves are worn for protection, then hand safety is improved, but dexterity and control over the lock ring are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader tool serves as a mechanical intermediary that transfers control from the operator's gloved hands to the lock ring. Instead of requiring direct manual manipulation of the lock ring ends (which would require fine dexterity), the operator controls the spreader arms, which in turn manipulate the lock ring with amplified and mechanically assisted motion.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the lock ring is spread apart to enlarge diameter, then installation is enabled, but the structure undergoes stress that may cause deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spreading mechanism where the spreader arms can adjust their engagement points and leverage ratios during the spreading process. This allows the operator to apply just enough force to spread the lock ring ends without exceeding the material's elastic limit, maintaining dimensional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader tool acts as a controlled intermediary that distributes spreading forces evenly across the lock ring structure. The first spreader arm engages with the lock ring ends while the second spreader arm provides controlled leverage, preventing localized stress concentrations that could cause plastic deformation.
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
Enables efficient and ergonomic manipulation of lock rings across various sizes, reducing the need for excessive force and preventing plastic deformation, thus improving wheel repair efficiency and reducing downtime in field applications.
Implementation Method 1
A crank arm is pivotally coupled to the first mount and extends radially outward from the first mount relative to the lock ring. A link arm is pivotally coupled to the second mount and the crank arm, and extends radially outward from the second mount relative to the lock ring. Pivoting the crank arm radially inward relative to the lock ring pivots the link arm relative to the crank arm and expands the distance between the first mount and the second mount
Implementation Method 2
The lock ring, once aligned with the annular gutter, is then closed (i.e., the ends are allowed to spring back toward their natural position) so that the lock ring is seated in the annular gutter, is biased toward the rim, and is axially restrained on the rim
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A lock ring spreader is capable of being mounted to a lock ring having a first end and a second end. The lock ring spreader comprises a first mount that is mountable to the lock ring near the first end of the lock ring and a second mount that is mountable to the lock ring near the second end of the lock ring. A crank arm is pivotally coupled to the first mount and extends radially outward from the first mount relative to the lock ring. A link arm is pivotally coupled to the second mount and the crank arm, and extends radially outward from the second mount relative to the lock ring. Pivoting the crank arm radially inward relative to the lock ring pivots the link arm relative to the crank arm and expands the distance between the first mount and the second mount.