Tire-Changing Arm With Claws for Difficult Bead Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire changing machines face difficulties in sealing the bead of a tire into the lip of a wheel, especially for difficult-to-seal tire-wheel assemblies, often requiring additional human operators or auxiliary air devices, which pose ergonomic and cost challenges.
Innovation Solution
A tire changing machine equipped with a rotatable wheel holder, a linear actuator, and an arm with claws that engage the tread portion of the tire, allowing for improved positioning and air direction to facilitate sealing without additional operators or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tire changing machines use multiple nozzles to expel air for sealing, then sealing works for typical wheel-tire assemblies, but sealing fails for difficult-to-seal assemblies requiring additional operators or auxiliary devices
Solution Approach 1:
A support arm with support surface acts as an intermediary between the tire changing machine and the tire. The support arm provides mechanical support to position and stabilize the tire during the sealing process, enabling reliable sealing for difficult-to-seal assemblies without requiring additional operators or auxiliary air devices. The support arm transfers and distributes forces evenly across the tire structure.
2Reliability
If additional human operators are used to assist with difficult sealing, then sealing can be achieved, but ergonomic issues and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tire changing machine performs the sealing function autonomously through its integrated support arm mechanism. The support arm automatically positions itself to provide necessary support during sealing, eliminating the need for human operators to physically assist with difficult sealings. This self-service capability removes operators from hazardous positions while maintaining high sealing success rates.
3Reliability
If auxiliary air devices are used to provide additional air volume for sealing, then difficult-to-seal assemblies can be sealed, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm serves as a mechanical intermediary that enables effective sealing by providing structural support and positioning, rather than relying on additional air devices. By stabilizing the tire and wheel assembly during the sealing process, the support arm allows the existing air delivery system to function effectively without requiring auxiliary air tanks or additional nozzles.
4Reliability
If multiple operators are deployed for difficult sealings, then sealing can be completed, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tire changing machine's integrated support arm system performs the support function that previously required multiple human operators. This automation eliminates the need for additional personnel during sealing operations, reducing both labor time and operational costs while maintaining reliable sealing completion for all assembly types.
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 efficient sealing of tire beads into wheel lips, reducing the need for extra operators and minimizing ergonomic risks, while accommodating various tire sizes and types.
Implementation Method 1
A linear actuator is attached to the tower via a pivoting arm assembly. The linear actuator includes an implement on a lower end of the linear actuator.
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of nozzles expel a blast of air toward a lower lip of the wheel.
Implementation Method 3
The valve stem inflation hose continuously expels air into an interior chamber of the tire.
Data Source
AI summary
A tire changing machine of the present disclosure may comprises a chassis base, a rotatable wheel holder, a tower, and an arm. A linear actuator is attached to the tower via a pivoting arm assembly. The linear actuator includes an implement on a lower end of the linear actuator. The arm includes an elongate portion, a coupler, first and second ends, first and second halves, and first and second claws. The coupler is located at a central portion of the elongate portion and is operable to couple the arm to the implement of the linear actuator. The first and second claw are operable to engage a tread portion of a tire.