Tire Changer Rephasing Hydraulics for Synchronized Tool Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire changing apparatuses face challenges in evenly distributing force among multiple actuators and precisely positioning tools to optimize mounting and demounting processes, often resulting in inefficient force distribution and alignment issues.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a hydraulic circuit with synchronously driven hydraulic actuators connected in series or parallel, featuring a master-slave configuration and a rephasing system with electrovalves to ensure simultaneous and aligned actuator movement, along with a flow dividing device to maintain equal pressure across actuators, and a rephasing system to prevent oil leaks and maintain phase alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If multiple actuators are driven by the same actuator in parallel, then the force distribution among tools is improved, but the positioning precision and synchronization of tools deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce distributionVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic system is segmented into multiple independent circuits, each controlling one or more actuators. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized independently - some circuits prioritize force distribution while others prioritize positioning precision, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts hydraulic flow distribution to different actuators based on real-time positioning requirements. By dynamically controlling the hydraulic flow, the system can maintain both force balance and precise positioning synchronization of tools during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple tools operate simultaneously on the same tyre bead, then the demounting efficiency is improved, but the force that each tool can exert deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedemounting efficiencyVSAvoidforce per tool
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a single-dimension force application (one tool at a time) to multi-dimensional simultaneous force application (multiple tools at different spatial positions). By distributing tools across different angular positions around the tyre bead, the system achieves both high productivity and sufficient force per tool through spatial dimensionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If tools are positioned to touch the wheel at the same time, then the mounting precision is improved, but the complexity of the control system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic system incorporates self-regulating mechanisms where pressure equalization and flow distribution automatically synchronize tool positioning. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex external control systems while maintaining precise synchronous positioning of multiple tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables efficient and precise force distribution across multiple actuators, ensuring optimal mounting and demounting of tires by maintaining synchronized and aligned actuator movement, thereby preventing damage to the wheel rim and tire.

Implementation Method 1

The apparatus comprises a hydraulic (or electrohydraulic) circuit. The hydraulic circuit is filled with a fluid. The fluid is preferably liquid and, still more preferably, is oil. The hydraulic circuit includes a pump. The apparatus comprises a plurality of actuators. Preferably, the actuators are hydraulically driven

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP4157651B1Tire changing apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 NEXION SPA
  • EP4157651B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4157651B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4157651B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus (1) for mounting and demounting a tyre relative to a corresponding wheel rim, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises: a wheel-holder unit (2), configured to receive and lock the wheel at an operating position and to set it in rotation about an axis of rotation (A1); a plurality of tools (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37), configured to interact with the tyre to mount and/or demount the tyre; a hydraulic circuit (6) comprising a pump (9); a plurality of hydraulic actuators (61, 62, 63), connected to the hydraulic circuit (6); the hydraulic circuit (6) is configured to drive the actuators of the plurality of actuators (61, 62, 63) synchronously.