Robotic Wheel Replacement Using Vision-Based Lug Pattern Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of removing and replacing vehicle wheels is inefficient and poses physical hazards due to the need for manual handling and operation of tools, which can lead to time-consuming and risky tire changes.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that uses a robotic apparatus controlled by a computer system to determine wheel fastener patterns, remove and replace wheels, and secure them back onto the vehicle hub, leveraging sensors and image processing for precise operation and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operations are used for wheel removal and replacement, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses image processing and automatic recognition to identify wheel fastener patterns without human intervention. The robotic apparatus autonomously determines lug nut configurations and executes removal operations based on visual data, enabling the system to service itself without continuous human control
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated robotic system that uses image processing algorithms and computer vision to identify fastener patterns. The robotic apparatus substitutes human hands and eyes with automated sensing and actuation mechanisms, achieving both speed and accuracy
2Reliability
If manual handling is used for wheel removal, then ease of operation is maintained, but safety hazards increase due to physical risks
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic apparatus acts as an intermediary between the operator and the wheel removal process. It uses image processing to mediate the recognition of fastener patterns and executes operations remotely, eliminating direct physical contact and associated safety risks while maintaining operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical handling with automated robotic manipulation. Image processing technology substitutes human visual inspection, and robotic actuators substitute human hands, eliminating physical exposure to hazards while preserving the ability to perform complex removal tasks
3Productivity
If automated robotic apparatus is used for wheel removal, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs self-configuration by automatically recognizing wheel fastener patterns through image processing. It determines lug nut configurations and adjusts its operations autonomously without requiring pre-programming for each wheel type, reducing the operational complexity burden
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical operations are replaced with automated systems that use computer vision and image processing. The robotic apparatus substitutes multiple manual tools and operations with a single integrated system that automatically adapts to different wheel configurations through visual recognition
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.