Rotary Feeder Head for Simultaneous Correction Weight Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing device for attaching correction weights to vehicle wheels is time-consuming due to the need to load correction weights one after the other into the applicator head, which increases the cycle time for unbalance correction.
Innovation Solution
A device with a supply unit and an attachment device featuring a movable feeder head with axially extending feeder elements that allows simultaneous loading of two correction weights into receptacles, reducing the loading time and cycle time through efficient transfer and alignment mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If correction weights are loaded one after the other into the applicator head, then the attachment device can be kept simple, but the loading time and cycle time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The feed unit is divided into multiple feeder elements (first feeder element, second feeder element, etc.), each capable of holding and transferring one correction weight independently. This segmentation allows parallel loading operations while keeping each individual feeder element simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Correction weights are pre-loaded onto the feeder elements before the attachment operation begins. The supply unit continuously feeds correction weights to the feeder elements in advance, so that when the applicator head needs weights, they are already ready for immediate transfer, eliminating waiting time during the attachment cycle.
2Productivity
If multiple feeder elements are used to enable simultaneous loading, then the loading speed increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each feeder element is designed with the same universal structure, capable of performing the same function of holding and transferring correction weights. This modular universality allows multiple feeder elements to be used for simultaneous loading while maintaining simple, standardized component design that reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder head is made rotatable, allowing dynamic repositioning of the feeder elements to connect with different receptacles of the applicator head. This dynamic configuration enables flexible simultaneous loading of multiple weights while keeping the physical structure compact and manageable.
3Ease of operation
If the applicator head moves closely to the cutting device for loading, then direct loading is possible, but the applicator head cannot apply correction weights simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder elements act as intermediary carriers between the cutting device and the applicator head. Correction weights are first transferred to the feeder elements, which then serve as temporary holding stations. This intermediary step decouples the loading operation from the attachment operation, allowing the applicator head to apply weights without needing to move close to the cutting device during the attachment cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
Correction weights are pre-transferred to the feeder elements before the applicator head begins its attachment cycle. This preliminary loading action ensures that when the applicator head needs weights, they are already positioned and ready for immediate transfer, enabling continuous attachment operations without interruption for loading.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the attachment of correction weights for unbalance correction to a rotary body includes a supply unit (15) for supplying individual correction weights, an attachment device (2) for applying the correction weights to the rotary body and including a first receptacle (6) for a first correction weight and a second receptacle (7) for a second correction weight, a feed unit (16) for feeding supplied correction weights to the receptacles (6, 7). The feed unit (16) includes a rotary feeder head (23) which has axially extending feeder elements (26, 27, 28, 29) arranged at a relative distance and forming a slideway (30) for the correction weights and having associated driving devices (34, 35) by which the correction weights are movable longitudinally to the feeder elements (26, 27, 28, 29), wherein in one position of the feeder head (23) a first feeder element (26, 27, 28, 29) is connectable to the first receptacle (6) of the attachment device (2) and a second feeder element (26, 27, 28, 29) is connectable to the second receptacle (7) of the attachment device (2).