Wheel Clamp Assembly With Radial Centering for Recessed Hubs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wheel adaptors for large diameter vehicle wheels, especially those with highly convex or deeply recessed central hubs, are cumbersome, difficult to engage, and prone to errors due to high inflation pressures, and light-weight adaptors struggle with non-flat wheel surfaces, leading to line-of-sight issues with multiple axles.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable wheel adaptor assembly with a base supporting three contact members, a spring-biased clamp, and adjustable target mount, allowing for synchronous radial adjustment and clamping to secure optical targets on various wheel diameters, and enabling lateral spacing to resolve line-of-sight issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rim-clamping wheel adaptors are used with large diameter heavy duty truck wheels, then the adaptor can accommodate the wheel size, but the adaptor becomes large, heavy, and awkward to use
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor employs an adjustable centering mechanism with movable contact members that can be radially positioned to match different rim diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability allows a single adaptor design to accommodate various wheel sizes without requiring multiple fixed-size adaptors, reducing overall system weight while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor is divided into modular components including a body, multiple contact members, and an adjustable centering mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables the adaptor to adapt to different wheel configurations without requiring a completely different adaptor for each wheel size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adaptors are designed with sufficient structure to provide clearance around the hub, then they can accommodate raised or recessed hub surfaces, but the attachment process becomes time consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable centering mechanism automatically positions the contact members to match the rim diameter without requiring manual measurement or adjustment by the operator. The mechanism self-adjusts through the action of clamping forces, eliminating time-consuming manual setup procedures and reducing attachment errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact members are pre-configured in multiple radial positions that correspond to standard rim diameters. This preliminary positioning allows the adaptor to quickly accommodate different wheel sizes without requiring on-site measurement or complex adjustment procedures, significantly reducing attachment time.
3Weight of moving object
If light-weight adaptor assemblies are used with passenger car wheels, then the adaptor is easy to handle, but it becomes difficult or impossible to utilize on heavy duty vehicles with prominently raised or deeply recessed central hub surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor integrates multiple functions into a single device: it provides light-weight construction for ease of handling, includes an adjustable centering mechanism for accommodating different rim diameters, and features contact members that can adapt to various hub configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same light-weight adaptor to serve both passenger car and heavy duty vehicle applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable contact members and an adjustable centering mechanism, allowing it to adapt its geometry to match different wheel types. This dynamic adaptability enables a single light-weight design to accommodate both flat-faced passenger car wheels and the varied hub configurations of heavy duty vehicles.
4Strength
If traditional adaptors engage the interface between the tire and wheel rim edge, then they can secure the adaptor, but high inflation pressures make engagement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor introduces contact members as intermediary elements that distribute clamping forces across multiple points on the rim rather than concentrating force at a single interface point. This intermediary approach facilitates engagement by reducing the peak forces required and providing multiple contact points that can accommodate surface variations caused by high inflation pressures.
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
Facilitates secure, efficient attachment of optical targets on large diameter wheels with varied hub configurations, reducing errors and ensuring clear line-of-sight for imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased clamp assembly secured to the base assembly on an outboard side of the base assembly, inboard of the target mount
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel adaptor for placement against a rim edge of a wheel having a recessed central hub. The adaptor comprises a base supporting, on an inboard side, a framework for synchronous radial adjustment of at least three contact surfaces. An axially adjustable target mount is secured to the base on an outboard side. A spring-biased clamp is coupled to the base, positioned axially inboard of the target mount. Extending radially outward from the clamp, a pair of wheel clamp arms are adjustably configured to engage the tread surface of a tire when placed against the wheel. Engagement of the clamp applies a grips the tire tread surface, holding the contact surfaces against the wheel. A radially outward position of the contact surfaces along the base is controlled by a rotating selection element and a set of linkages coupling each contract surface to the selection element.