Single-Cell Tire Assembly Workstation with Robotic Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire-wheel assembly methodologies require significant capital investment and human oversight, involving complex and costly assembly lines with multiple workstations, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A single-cell workstation with a robotic arm and adjustable tire-engaging devices that minimizes handling and integrates multiple assembly tasks, allowing for the efficient mounting of tires to wheels within a compact, automated system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional assembly lines with multiple workstations are used, then assembly tasks can be performed, but capital investment and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple assembly workstations into a single integrated workstation. The robotic arm with interchangeable end effectors performs multiple assembly tasks (mounting, sealing, inflating) that traditionally required separate workstations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full assembly capability
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions through interchangeable end effectors. Different end effectors enable the same robotic arm to execute mounting, sealing, and inflating operations, eliminating the need for dedicated equipment for each task and reducing overall system complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional assembly lines with multiple workstations are used, then assembly tasks can be performed, but capital investment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple assembly workstations into a single integrated workstation. The robotic arm with interchangeable end effectors performs multiple assembly tasks (mounting, sealing, inflating) that traditionally required separate workstations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full assembly capability
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions through interchangeable end effectors. Different end effectors enable the same robotic arm to execute mounting, sealing, and inflating operations, eliminating the need for dedicated equipment for each task and reducing overall system complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional assembly methodologies are used, then assembly can be performed, but human oversight and handling are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves self-service automation where the robotic arm autonomously performs all assembly operations. The controller automatically manages the sequence of operations (mounting, sealing, inflating) without human intervention, and the robotic arm self-adjusts through programmable movements and interchangeable end effectors, completely eliminating the need for human oversight
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed.