Spoke Threading Hub Positioning via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for threading spokes into spoked wheel hubs face challenges in achieving precise angular and radial positioning of holes due to random tolerances, leading to incorrect threading operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and installation that utilize angular and radial position determination systems, including sensors and image processing, to accurately position spoke holes relative to a reference frame, ensuring correct alignment with ejection devices during threading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated spoke ejection devices are used to thread spokes into hub holes, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to random tolerances in hole positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the actual angular and radial positions of all hub holes using sensors before the spoke threading operation. This advance knowledge allows the control system to pre-calculate the exact positioning requirements for each ejection device, ensuring that spokes are ejected at the correct locations despite manufacturing tolerances in hole positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where sensor data regarding the actual hole positions is fed back to the control system. The control system then adjusts the positioning and timing of each spoke ejection device based on this feedback, compensating for deviations from nominal hole positions and maintaining high precision in the automated threading process.
2Ease of operation
If hub rotation is performed in successive steps to position holes in front of ejection devices, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in detecting exact hole positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical positioning and measurement methods with optical or electromagnetic sensors that non-contactly detect the angular and radial positions of hub holes. This substitution eliminates mechanical errors and provides high-precision measurement of hole positions, enabling accurate control of the spoke threading operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces sensor systems as intermediaries between the hub and the ejection devices. These sensors act as mediators that accurately detect hole positions and transmit this information to the control system, which then uses the data to precisely control the positioning and operation of each ejection device during the spoke threading process.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for threading spokes into a hub (2) with two flanges (2a) of a spoked wheel, the flanges (2a) each being provided with a ring of orifices (2b) for receiving the spokes, the hub (2) being rotated about its axis in successive steps in order to position the orifices (2b) in the flanges (2a), one by one, in front of the spoke-ejection devices (3) which are actuated successively to eject a spoke into the orifices (2b) in order to carry out threading operations as such, the method being characterized in that, before positioning the orifices (2b) in front of the ejection devices, the method comprises steps consisting in: determining the angular and radial positions of the orifices (2b) with respect to a reference frame of which the coordinates are known; then carrying out the operations of threading the spokes by controlling the successive pivoting steps of the hub (2) according to the predetermined angular positions of the orifices (2b), and, during positioning of the orifices (2b) in front of the ejection devices (3), by controlling a relative radial movement between the corresponding ejection device and the hub (2) according to the predetermined radial positions of the orifices (2b).