Tire Bead Breaker Synchronization via Radial Tool Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire fitting and removal apparatuses require expensive and complex mechanisms to radially move the wheel, which increases costs and reduces reliability, as they need to support strong forces and precise positioning of tools without damaging the wheel rim.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a base, frame, and post system that allows first and second fitting or removal tools to move axially and radially, using sensors and actuators for synchronization, eliminating the need for a radial wheel movement mechanism, and enabling efficient and cost-effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanism is used to radially move the vehicle wheel, then the wheel can be positioned precisely with respect to the fitting or removal tools, but the mechanism becomes robust and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the wheel radially to position it with respect to the tools, the invention inverts the approach by moving the tools radially with respect to the wheel. The wheel remains stationary on the base, while the first and second fitting or removal tools are moved radially inward toward the wheel using actuators, achieving precise positioning without requiring a complex radial wheel movement mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical system for radially moving the wheel with a different mechanical system that moves the tools radially instead. By using actuators to move the tools toward the stationary wheel, the patent eliminates the need for a robust radial wheel movement mechanism while maintaining precise positioning capability
2Strength
If a robust mechanism is used to support strong forces during tyre fitting or removing, then the wheel can be securely held, but the apparatus becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the force application approach by having the tools move toward the wheel rather than the wheel moving toward the tools. This allows the base to remain stationary and support the wheel, while the actuators on the post provide the necessary force to move the tools radially inward, distributing the force bearing requirements more efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the radial movement function from the wheel positioning system and places it in the tool positioning system. By separating the radial movement function and assigning it to the tool actuators rather than the wheel support mechanism, the patent reduces the complexity and cost of the force-bearing mechanism while maintaining adequate strength
3Productivity
If two fitting or removal tools are used simultaneously, then the beads of both sides of the tyre can be removed at the same time, but the positioning of the tools becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies multi-functionality by having both the first and second fitting or removal tools mounted on the same post and controlled by the same actuator system. The post and actuator mechanism serve multiple functions: supporting both tools, moving both tools radially, and synchronizing their positions, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enabling simultaneous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses sensors to detect the radial position of the first fitting or removal tool and provides feedback to a synchronization unit. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts the position of the second tool to match the first tool, enabling precise synchronized positioning of both tools without requiring complex manual coordination or overly complex positioning mechanisms
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 solution reduces costs and improves reliability by allowing simultaneous and precise positioning of tools without radial wheel movement, enabling efficient tire fitting and removal without damaging the wheel rim, thus simplifying the operation and reducing the need for expensive mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor coupled to the first fitting or removal tool and adapted to detect the movement of the first fitting or removal tool in said substantially radial direction
Implementation Method 2
an actuator coupled to the second fitting or removal tool and adapted to move the second fitting or removal tool in said substantially radial direction
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for synchronously moving first and second fitting or removal tools (300, 400) of a tire fitting or removing apparatus. When an operator moves the first fitting or removal tool (300) in a substantially radial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) of a post (210) supporting the first and second fitting or removal tools (300, 400), a synchronization unit receives first and second input signals of first and second sensors (320, 420) coupled to the first and second fitting or removal tools (300, 400) and indicating a radial movement or position of the tools (300, 400). The synchronization unit generates, based on a comparison of the first and second input signals, an output signal causing an actuator (450) to move the second fitting or removal tool (400) synchronous to the first fitting or removal tool (300) in said substantially radial direction.