Rim Assembly for Tire Testing Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rim assembly designs for tire testing machines face challenges in smoothly inserting the lower rim onto a spindle due to a small gap between the through-hole and the spindle, leading to potential deformation of pins when a pushing force is applied to engage the rims.
Innovation Solution
The rim assembly incorporates a design with protruding portions and groove portions on the rims, supported by supporting members that allow for stable engagement and rotation, preventing direct force application to the pins, ensuring smooth insertion and operation without pin deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper rim is pushed toward the lower rim to facilitate insertion, then the insertion process is improved, but the pins may be deformed due to applied force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pushing member as an intermediary component that applies force to the lower rim through the supporting members rather than directly to the pins. This mediator transfers the pushing force in a controlled manner, enabling smooth insertion while preventing direct force application that would deform the pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim assembly is segmented into functionally distinct components: the first rim, second rim, supporting members, and pins. This segmentation allows the pushing force to be applied to specific structural elements (supporting members) that are designed to bear load, while isolating the pins from direct force application.
2Manufacturing precision
If the through-hole gap with the spindle is small for precise positioning, then the alignment precision is improved, but the insertion difficulty increases due to potential contact and inclination
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting members are pre-positioned on the first rim before insertion occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when the pushing member applies force during insertion, the lower rim is already properly oriented and supported, preventing inclination even with tight clearance between the through-hole and spindle.
Data Source
AI summary
A rim assembly includes a first rim on which a first reference surface is formed, a second rim on which a second reference surface is formed, a through-hole that extends to intersect the first reference surface of the first rim and into which an inserting part is inserted, pins erected on one of the first and second reference surfaces, protruding portions formed on the other of the first and second reference surfaces, first supporting members provided for the first reference surface, and second supporting members provided for the second reference surface. Groove portions with which the protruding portions are engaged are formed around the outer peripheral surfaces of the pins. The first and second supporting members come into contact with each other when the protruding portions are separated from the groove portions, and are separated from each other when the protruding portions are engaged to the groove portions.