Spindle-Sleeve Wheel Clamping Mechanism for Service Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel-service machines require additional actuator devices for wheel clamping, increasing costs and the risk of machine failure, and manual methods are time-consuming and not user-friendly, especially for large volumes of wheels.
Innovation Solution
A wheel-clamping device with a spindle and sleeve system that uses a single drive unit for rotary movement, incorporating a nut-profile with locking and unlocking ramps, and clutch packs to apply varying frictional forces for self-centering and clamping, allowing the wheel to be clamped and released using the machine's main rotary movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional actuator devices are used for wheel clamping, then the wheel can be securely clamped, but the machine cost increases and the risk of machine failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wheel clamping function with the existing main drive unit of the wheel-service machine. The single drive unit performs both the rotation of the turntable and the actuation of the clamping mechanism through a mechanically integrated system, eliminating the need for separate actuator devices while maintaining secure wheel clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The main drive unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it rotates the turntable for wheel positioning and simultaneously actuates the clamping mechanism through the integrated spindle-sleeve system. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components and improves reliability.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment methods are used for wheel mounting, then no additional actuators are needed, but the procedure is more time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is designed to be automatically actuated by the main drive unit's rotation. As the turntable rotates, the integrated spindle-sleeve system automatically engages and disengages the clamping action without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping action is continuously integrated with the rotation cycle of the turntable. The clamping mechanism operates automatically during each rotation cycle, eliminating idle time and manual adjustment delays, thus maintaining high productivity without complex additional actuators.
3Reliability
If manual wheel mounting is used, then there is no increased risk of machine failure, but the procedure is not user-friendly for large volumes of wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clamping operation with the main drive unit, creating a unified system that reduces the number of independent components. This integration minimizes potential failure points while providing an automated, user-friendly operation that is efficient for high-volume wheel servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs clamping automatically through the main drive unit's rotation, eliminating the need for manual operation. This self-service mechanism provides an automated, consistent, and user-friendly process that is efficient for handling large volumes of wheels without increasing complexity or failure risk.
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
Enables quick and efficient clamping of wheels with reduced risk of machine failure, eliminating the need for additional actuators and manual effort, while maintaining user-friendliness and reducing error rates.
Implementation Method 1
clutch packs to apply varying frictional forces for self-centering and clamping
Data Source
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AI summary
The wheel-clamping device comprises a frame (20) having a through-opening (22), and a spindle (30) being rotatably supported in the through-opening (22). Further, the spindle (30) has a through-hole (32), an external thread (34) on an external circumferential portion. The wheel-clamping device comprises a sleeve (50) with a turntable (58) for the wheel to be clamped, wherein the sleeve (50) has an internal thread portion (52) which is in threaded engagement with the external thread-portion (34) of the spindle (30). Furthermore, a stopping or holding means (70) is able to temporarily hold the sleeve (50), and a clamping means (60) for the temporarily fixation of a fixing element 40.