Robotic Inflator with Reactive Pressure Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire/wheel assembly inflation processes are inefficient and space-consuming, requiring multiple stations and time for assembly, as they lack effective monitoring and automation for optimal tire pressure.
Innovation Solution
A robotic inflator system with a wheel engagement unit, load cell, and inflation units equipped with inflation probes and stirrups, which monitor internal pressure through strain sensing and control air inflation, allowing for simultaneous inflation and movement to balancing stations, optimizing space and time usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional multi-station inflation process is used, then tire inflation can be performed, but assembly time and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate operations (tire mounting, inflation, and balancing) into a single integrated station. The wheel engagement unit mounts the tire to the wheel, the inflation unit inflates the tire, and all operations occur at one location rather than requiring sequential movement through multiple stations, thereby reducing assembly time and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The single station performs multiple functions: the wheel engagement unit handles tire mounting, the inflation unit performs tire inflation with real-time pressure monitoring, and the system prepares the assembly for balancing. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated stations for each operation
2Productivity
If traditional multi-station inflation process is used, then tire inflation can be performed, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging tire mounting, inflation, and balancing preparation into one integrated station, the patent significantly reduces the total floor space required in the assembly plant. Instead of spacing out multiple large stations, all operations occur in a single compact location, reducing plant footprint and space requirements
3Measurement precision
If reactive pressure monitoring is implemented, then optimal tire pressure can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation unit incorporates a pressure sensor that provides real-time feedback on tire pressure during the inflation process. The controller receives this feedback signal and automatically adjusts the inflation operation to achieve the target pressure, ensuring precise pressure control without requiring complex manual monitoring or adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of tire pressure through the integrated pressure sensor and controller. The device automatically detects when the target pressure is reached and stops inflation, eliminating the need for external monitoring equipment or manual pressure checks, thereby managing complexity within the system itself
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
The system enables efficient and accurate tire pressure monitoring and inflation, reducing assembly time and space requirements by integrating pressure sensing and control within the inflation process, enhancing the automation of tire/wheel assembly in manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell 14...monitor internal pressure through strain sensing
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A wheel inflation apparatus including a wheel engagement unit that suspends a tire/wheel assembly and at least one inflation unit coupled to the robotic arm, each inflation unit being configured to inflate the tire/wheel assembly. A load measuring unit is configured to sense an amount of load being applied to the wheel/tire assembly. A controller is coupled to the load measuring unit for receiving a load signal and determining an internal air pressure of the tire/wheel assembly based on the load signal. The controller controls the at least one inflation unit based on the determined internal air pressure and a target (desired) air pressure value.