Roller Platform for Rotating Rim-Wheels in Tire Inflation Cages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Servicing multi-piece and single-piece rim-wheels in tire inflation cages is inefficient due to the inability to rotate the rim-wheels once they are positioned, as the space constraints and weight of the wheels prevent easy access to components like the valve stem, necessitating the removal and repositioning of the wheels.
Innovation Solution
A roller platform with a base and tire stops is integrated into the tire inflation cage, featuring a frame with roller assemblies that allow the rim-wheel to be rotated within the cage, enabling easier access to components without the need to remove and reposition the wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rim-wheel is positioned in the tire inflation cage using traditional methods, then the wheel can be secured within the cage, but the wheel cannot be rotated to access components like the valve stem due to space constraints and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a roller assembly that enables the rim-wheel to rotate within the confined space of the tire inflation cage. The roller assembly includes a roller that contacts the rim-wheel and can be actuated to rotate the wheel, allowing technicians to access components like the valve stem without removing the wheel from the cage. This dynamic mechanism transforms the static positioning system into a rotatable system, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Productivity
If the rim-wheel is removed and repositioned to access components, then access to the valve stem is possible, but time is lost and the process becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the preliminary action principle by pre-positioning the roller assembly within the tire inflation cage in a location that allows rotation of the rim-wheel. The roller is strategically placed so that when the rim-wheel is positioned in the cage, the roller can immediately engage and rotate the wheel to the desired orientation. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for time-consuming removal and repositioning operations, thereby improving productivity and reducing time loss.
3Ease of operation
If the rim-wheel is manually lifted and rotated, then access to components is achieved, but the heavy weight of the wheel makes this process difficult and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a roller assembly that acts as a mediator between the technician and the heavy rim-wheel. Instead of directly lifting and rotating the heavy wheel, the technician operates the roller assembly, which contacts and rotates the rim-wheel. This intermediary mechanism reduces the physical effort required and eliminates the safety hazards associated with manually handling heavy wheels, while still achieving the desired rotation for component access.
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 roller platform facilitates the rotation of the rim-wheel within the tire inflation cage, improving efficiency and safety by allowing technicians to access components without lifting or manually rotating the heavy wheels, thus saving time and effort while maintaining the wheel within the cage.
Implementation Method 1
roller assembly connected to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A roller platform for use in a tire inflation cage includes a frame and at least one roller assembly and facilitates the rotation of a rim-wheel within the tire inflation cage. The roller platform includes a frame having members that are spaced so that the tire stop on a tire inflation cage fits between the frame members. The roller platform includes cross members that are spaced so that the cross members fit between adjacent bars of a tire inflation cage and so a bar fits between the cross members.