Tire Bead Breaker Force Control for Rim Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire changer machines face difficulties in accommodating a wide variety of wheel rim and tire sizes, particularly with high aspect ratio tires and stiff tire constructions, due to their reliance on predetermined paths and avoidance of physical contact with the wheel rim, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a tire changer machine that uses physical contact between a bead breaker device and the wheel rim to follow the contour of the rim, generating a controlled contact force to break the tire bead seal, eliminating the need for lubrication and allowing for adaptable operation across different rim geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional tire changer machines avoid physical contact with the wheel rim and use predetermined paths, then machine complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different rim geometries and tire types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine complexityVSAvoidadaptability to different rim geometries

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems and machine vision technology with a force-controlled mechanical system. The bead breaker device uses force sensors and feedback control to automatically adapt to different rim geometries through physical contact, eliminating the need for predetermined paths and complex detection systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The bead breaker device performs self-positioning and self-adjustment by following the contour of the wheel rim through controlled physical contact. The force feedback system enables the device to automatically adapt to different rim shapes without requiring external guidance or predetermined programming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional machines use high precision control and machine vision technology to handle different tire types, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling of different tire and rim combinationsVSAvoidmachine vision technology and precise adjustments

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces machine vision technology and complex precision control systems with a force-controlled mechanical system. The bead breaker device uses force sensors and feedback control to automatically adapt to different rim geometries through physical contact, eliminating the need for optical detection and complex positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the contact force parameter based on feedback from force sensors during the bead breaking process. This allows the device to adapt to different tire and rim combinations by modifying the applied force in real-time, rather than requiring precise geometric positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If bead breaker device applies high force to break stiff tire constructions, then productivity improves, but risk of damaging the wheel rim increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of bead breakingVSAvoiddamage to wheel rim

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system using force sensors to monitor the contact force between the bead breaker device and the wheel rim. The system continuously adjusts the applied force based on sensor feedback, ensuring sufficient force to break stiff tire constructions while preventing excessive force that could damage the rim.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The force feedback system acts as a protective mechanism that prevents damage before it occurs. By monitoring contact force in real-time and limiting maximum force levels, the system cushioning against potential rim damage while maintaining effective bead breaking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This approach enables efficient and reliable tire bead breaking with reduced operator effort and time, effectively handling challenging tire and rim combinations without damaging the wheel rim, and reduces the need for machine vision technology and precise adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

A bead breaker tool exerts pressure on the tire adjacent the wheel rim to break the tire bead seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

Position and force sensor elements may monitor wheel rim and bead breaker device contact, and also contact force generation therebetween

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS8985178B1Tire bead breaker device and methods for automated tire changer machine

Publication Date: 2015.03.24 HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY

AI summary

Automated tire changer machines, control systems and methods therefor utilize positive contact and contact force generation between wheel rims and bead breaker devices to break tire bead seals. The bead breaker devices may accordingly follow different geometries of wheel rims without prior knowledge or identification of the specific rim configuration by the machine.