Staggered Vertical Tire Post-Inflation Apparatus Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire post-inflation apparatuses face challenges with large space occupation, high height, and complex maintenance due to their design, which hinders efficient operation and precision in tire vulcanization processes.
Innovation Solution
A tire post-inflation apparatus with a staggered station layout featuring a stand with multiple station mechanisms, each comprising a cross beam, swing arm, and tension bearing assembly, allowing for reduced height and eliminating the need for station flipping, utilizing a buckle member and locking rod for tension bearing and adjustable components for easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flip four-station post-inflation apparatus is used, then the inflation function is complete, but the turning radius is great and too much space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal flip-four-station layout to a vertical stacked four-station configuration. The four stations are arranged in the vertical dimension rather than horizontally, allowing the apparatus to maintain complete inflation functionality while occupying significantly less floor space. The manipulator handles tires vertically across stacked stations, eliminating the need for large turning radii.
2Area of stationary object
If a stacked post-inflation apparatus with four stations on the same plane is used, then the structure is compact, but the height is too great which is not conducive to maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the four stations into two vertical groups: upper stations (first and second stations) and lower stations (third and fourth stations). Each group can be independently accessed and maintained. The lower stations are positioned at accessible heights for routine maintenance, while the upper stations are designed with maintenance ports and accessible components. This segmentation allows compact vertical arrangement while ensuring that critical maintenance points remain easily accessible.
3Area of stationary object
If a stacked post-inflation apparatus is used, then space is reduced, but a greater lifting stroke of the manipulator is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the four stations at two different vertical levels (upper and lower stations), creating equipotential zones where tires can be processed at convenient heights. The lower stations handle initial tire placement and preparation, while the upper stations handle inflation and final processing. This equipotential arrangement reduces the manipulator's lifting stroke compared to a single-level stacked configuration, as tires don't need to be lifted to the maximum height of a four-level stack for every operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional post-inflation apparatus is used, then the inflation process is complete, but the structure is complex and maintenance is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the four inflation stations into a single integrated vertical structure with shared support frameworks, common pneumatic systems, and unified control mechanisms. The upper and lower station groups share structural elements and infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity compared to four separate stations. The tension bearing assemblies and cross-beam structures are designed as modular units that can be maintained as standardized components, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining complete inflation functionality across all four stations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a tire post-inflation apparatus. The tire post-inflation apparatus includes a stand and multiple station mechanisms staggeredly disposed on the stand. Each of the multiple station mechanisms includes a cross beam, a swing arm, and a tension bearing assembly. The cross beam is connected to the stand. The cross beam is configured to be connected to a first rim. The swing arm is rotatably connected to the stand. The swing arm is configured to be connected to a second rim and a tire. The tension bearing assembly is configured to bear the tension of the first rim and the second rim when the tire is inflated. The tire post-inflation apparatus has the following advantages: a simple structure, a small overall occupied space, a low height, not needing flipping between stations, good stability, high precision and easy adjustment, and strong maintainability.