Robotic Tire Mounting Gripper for Single-Station Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting pneumatic tires on vehicle wheels are inefficient and require multiple assembly stations, making them costly and time-consuming, especially when handling different tire and wheel variants.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a handling robot with a gripper that can move in three directions, allowing for simultaneous gripping and mounting of tires on a rim, with actuators for positioning and tools that can rotate around the rim to mount both tire beads in a single clamping operation, eliminating the need for additional conveying devices and assembly stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple assembly stations are used for mounting tire beads, then mounting precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple assembly station functions into a single integrated device. The gripper performs both gripping and mounting operations, and the clamping device handles both rim securing and tire positioning, eliminating the need for separate assembly stations while maintaining mounting reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper is designed with universal functionality to both grip the tire in ready position and perform mounting operations. The clamping device serves multiple purposes including rim clamping and tire positioning, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining operational reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple assembly stations and conveying devices are used, then tire mounting capability is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges tire gripping, positioning, and mounting operations into a single integrated process performed by one device. The gripper transitions directly from gripping ready position to mounting without intermediate conveying steps, significantly reducing assembly cycle time while maintaining versatility for different tire and wheel variants
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device maintains continuous engagement with the rim throughout the mounting process, eliminating idle time between operations. The gripper performs mounting operations continuously after gripping, without interruption for repositioning or additional clamping, thereby maximizing productivity
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional mounting tools guided along rim flange are used for second bead, then mounting precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is designed to perform both gripping and mounting functions universally. By equipping the gripper with mounting tools, it can mount both tire beads without requiring separate conventional mounting tools, maintaining mounting precision while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the gripping function and mounting function into a single integrated gripper device. The mounting tools are integrated into the gripper structure, allowing the same component to perform both operations and eliminating the need for additional separate mounting tooling
4Adaptability or versatility
If handling robot with three-direction movement is used, then adaptability to different tire variants is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling robot is designed with universal three-direction movement capability that can accommodate different tire and wheel variants. This multi-functional design allows the same robot structure to handle various tire sizes and types, improving adaptability while the integrated gripper reduces overall system complexity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
To mount a pneumatic tire (R) onto a drop-center rim (F), the pneumatic tire (R) is gripped at its tread by a gripper (2) mounted on a handling robot (1). A controlled movement of the gripper (2) then pulls the first tire bead over the rim (F). The gripper (2) is then released from the pneumatic tire (R), and actuators (33, 34) move the tire (R) into a starting position for mounting the second tire bead. A rotation of the gripper (2) around the axis of the rim (F) guides mounting tools (27, 28, 29) mounted on the gripper (2) along the rim (F), thereby pulling the second tire bead over the rim (F).