Multi-Head Inflator Apparatus for Automated Tire Inflation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire-wheel assembly processing methods require significant capital investment and human oversight, and existing tire inflation technologies are limited in accommodating various tire and wheel sizes efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a support structure, conveyor, interface portion with multiple inflator heads of varying sizes, actuator, fluid source, and controller, which automatically selects and positions the appropriate inflator head to inflate tire-wheel assemblies of different geometries, ensuring efficient inflation without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional tire inflation methods are used, then inflation can be achieved, but significant capital investment and human oversight are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect tire size and select appropriate inflation parameters without human intervention. The controller autonomously manages the entire inflation process, from identifying the correct inflator head to monitoring inflation completion, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust settings or supervise each step.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation system is designed with multiple inflator heads of different sizes and a controller that can adapt to various tire types and sizes. This multi-functional design allows a single system to handle diverse inflation requirements, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining automation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing tire inflation technologies are used, then inflation of single tire sizes can be achieved, but accommodating various tire and wheel sizes efficiently is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to different tire sizes through sensors that detect tire dimensions and automatically select appropriate inflation parameters. The controller adjusts inflation pressure, duration, and selected inflator head based on real-time measurements, enabling efficient processing of various tire sizes without manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation system is divided into multiple inflator heads, each designed for specific tire size ranges. This segmentation allows the system to optimize inflation parameters for each tire type while maintaining high throughput, as the controller can quickly switch between different inflator heads based on detected tire characteristics.
3Productivity
If manual tire inflation processes are used, then operation flexibility can be maintained, but processing efficiency and precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor tire inflation status and provide feedback to the controller. This closed-loop control ensures precise inflation by automatically adjusting parameters based on real-time measurements, achieving both high productivity through automation and high precision through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An inflator apparatus (10, 100) for inflating more than one un-inflated tire-wheel assembly (TWU) is disclosed. The inflator apparatus (10, 100) includes a support structure (12); an interface portion (16, 116) rotatably-attached to the support structure (12), wherein the interface portion (16. 116) includes a plurality of inflator heads (26, 126), wherein each inflator head (26a-26c, 126a-126f) of the plurality of inflator heads (26, 126) includes a fluid inlet (60a); a plunger portion (34) movably-connected to the support structure (12), wherein the plunger portion (34) is movably-connected to the support structure (12) to permit selectively coupling of the plunger portion (34) with one inflator head (26a-26c, 126a-126f) of the plurality of inflator heads (26, 126); and a fluid conduit (62) connected to the plunger portion (34), wherein the fluid conduit (62) is fluidly connectable with the fluid inlet (60a) of the one inflator head (26a-26c, 126a-126f) of the plurality of inflator heads (26, 126). A system for processing more than one un-inflated tire-wheel assembly (TWU) is also disclosed. A method for utilizing an inflator apparatus (10, 100) for inflating more than one un-inflated tire-wheel assembly (TWU) is also disclosed.