Pneumatic Tire Assembly Handling Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mounting pneumatic tires on drop center rims are inefficient, causing strain on tires, requiring excessive flexibility for different rim and tire combinations, and resulting in high shearing forces and potential damage, especially when handling difficult-to-mount tires or requiring short machine cycle times.

Innovation Solution

A method using a handling device with a gripper that radially clamps the tire to maintain control during assembly, allowing for precise positioning and movement, and a device comprising an industrial robot with an articulated arm to grip and hold the tire, enabling automatic, one-sided assembly with reduced forces and moments, and accommodating various tire and rim designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If mounting tools press the tire sidewall down and rotate to pull the tire bead over the rim flange, then the tire can be assembled on the rim, but high shearing forces occur and the tire is subjected to excessive strain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstrain on tire

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The handling device performs preliminary positioning and orientation of the tire before the mounting process begins. The tire is pre-aligned with the rim and the mounting tools are pre-positioned, which reduces the forces required during the actual mounting operation and prevents excessive strain on the tire structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The handling device acts as an intermediary between the tire and the mounting tools. It provides controlled support and guidance during the mounting process, distributing forces more evenly and preventing the high shearing forces that would otherwise be applied directly to the tire bead and sidewall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the mounting tool is narrow to enter between the rim flange and upper bead, then it can easily mount the first bead, but it gets caught on the tire when lifting and cannot mount the second bead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mounting first beadVSAvoidcapability to mount both beads

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting process is segmented into distinct phases: first bead mounting, lifting, and second bead mounting. The handling device is designed to accommodate these separate phases by providing controlled support during each stage, allowing the tool width to be optimized for the critical first bead insertion while preventing interference during subsequent operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handling device provides dynamic control during the mounting process, adjusting its support and positioning based on the specific stage of assembly. This dynamic adaptation allows the same tool to effectively perform both narrow-space insertion for the first bead and broader support for the second bead mounting, eliminating the need for tool changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the tire is placed at an angle on the rim and pushed up to the rim dish, then the lower bead can be pressed into the well, but the tire bead does not remain in the drop center due to tire rigidity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of bead insertionVSAvoidbead positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The handling device performs preliminary positioning of the tire bead in the drop center before the pressing operation begins. By pre-aligning the bead with the drop center and providing controlled support during insertion, the device ensures that the bead remains properly positioned throughout the mounting process, eliminating positioning errors caused by tire rigidity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If conventional assembly methods are used to achieve short machine cycle times, then productivity increases, but the tire can move in an uncontrolled manner and be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine cycle timeVSAvoidtire damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The handling device serves as an intermediary that provides continuous controlled support to the tire throughout the assembly process. This intermediary support prevents uncontrolled tire movement and potential damage while enabling faster cycle times through streamlined, coordinated operations between the handling device and mounting tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the tire's position and the forces applied during mounting. This feedback allows for real-time adjustments to maintain proper tire positioning and prevent damage, enabling high-speed operation without sacrificing reliability or increasing damage risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP1738937B1Method and device for the assembly of a pneumatic tyre

Publication Date: 2011.11.16 SCHENCK ROTEC GMBH

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Figure 5~7
Figure 8~9

AI summary

The method involves engaging a pneumatic tire (5) by using a handling device (1), where the tire is introduced at the rim that is held in the clamping device by the handling device. The tire is striped by controlled movement of the handling device with the bead that is turned to the rim over a rim flange of the rim. The tire is kept during mounting of the handling device in such a manner that the rim flange takes an oval shape. An independent claim is also included for a device for executing a method for mounting a pneumatic tire on a drop base rim of a motor vehicle wheel.