Single-Cell Tire-Wheel Assembly Workstation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire-wheel assembly methodologies require significant capital investment and human oversight, involving multiple steps and successive workstations, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single-cell workstation with a robotic arm and adjustable tire-engaging devices that minimizes handling and integrates multiple assembly tasks, allowing for efficient mounting of tires to wheels within a compact, automated system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional multi-workstation methodologies are used, then assembly completeness is ensured, but device complexity and capital investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple assembly workstations into a single integrated workstation that performs mounting, inflation, and sealing operations. The system integrates a robotic arm, air supply system, and sealing mechanism into one unified platform, eliminating the need for separate workstations while maintaining complete assembly functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single workstation is designed to perform multiple functions: the robotic arm handles tire and wheel positioning, the air supply system performs both inflation and sealing operations, and the system accommodates various tire-wheel assembly configurations. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized workstations.
2Productivity
If multiple successive workstations are used, then assembly thoroughness is maintained, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous assembly operations by performing mounting, inflation, and sealing in an uninterrupted sequence within a single workstation. The robotic arm continuously positions components while the air supply system continuously provides inflation and sealing, eliminating transfer times between workstations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the tire and wheel by the robotic arm before inflation begins, and maintains continuous monitoring during the assembly process. This preliminary preparation and continuous action eliminate idle time and ensure smooth transitions between operations.
3Ease of operation
If conventional methodologies with human oversight are used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but ease of operation and labor costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning of tire and wheel components using the robotic arm, self-regulates inflation pressure through automated air supply control, and self-seals the assembly without human intervention. The system autonomously completes the entire assembly process with minimal human oversight.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced by an automated robotic arm for positioning and handling, and manual inflation control is replaced by an automated air supply system with pressure regulation. This substitution eliminates the need for human operators to perform repetitive manual tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed.