Single-Cell Robotic Workstation for Tire-Wheel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire-wheel assembly processing methods require significant capital investment and human oversight, involving multiple workstations and manual handling, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single-cell workstation with a robotic arm and adjustable sub-stations that integrates multiple processing steps into a single unit, eliminating the need for multiple workstations and reducing manual handling by automating the assembly and inflation of tire-wheel assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional methodologies are used for processing tire-wheel assemblies, then processing can be performed with standard equipment, but capital investment and human oversight requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete workstations (mounting station, indexing station, inflation station) into a single integrated workstation. The robotic arm serves as a common resource that performs multiple operations across different functional stations within one workstation, eliminating the need for separate workstations and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform diverse operations including mounting tires onto wheels, indexing assemblies to correct orientations, and facilitating inflation processes. This single universal robot replaces multiple specialized devices, reducing capital investment while maintaining full processing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple workstations are used for tire-wheel assembly processing, then specialized functions can be performed at each station, but the number of devices and capital investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm serves as a universal device that can perform multiple specialized functions including precise mounting operations, accurate indexing to specific orientations, and coordinated inflation facilitation. This single multi-functional robot replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm provides dynamic adaptability through programmable motion control, allowing it to switch between different operations (mounting, indexing, inflation assistance) as needed. The system can dynamically adjust its function based on the processing stage, eliminating the need for static specialized equipment for each function.
3Ease of operation
If manual handling is used in tire-wheel assembly processing, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but human oversight requirements and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm performs mounting, indexing, and inflation facilitation operations autonomously without requiring human operators to physically handle the tire-wheel assemblies. The system serves itself by automatically executing programmed sequences of operations, eliminating the need for human oversight while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control.
4Device complexity
If a single integrated workstation is used, then capital investment is reduced, but the robot must perform multiple functions requiring precise coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors and control systems that monitor the robotic arm's position and the tire-wheel assembly state in real-time. This feedback enables precise coordination during multi-functional operations, ensuring accurate mounting, indexing to correct orientations (such as 12 o'clock position), and synchronized inflation processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A single-cell workstation for processing a tire-wheel assembly including a tire and a wheel is disclosed. The single-cell workstation includes a mounting and indexing sub-station including a first plurality of tire engaging portions including one or more first tire-engaging surfaces, and a second plurality of tire engaging portions including one or more second tire-engaging surfaces.