Tire Changing Machine Laser Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire-changing machines require extensive manual adjustments based on wheel dimensions, leading to increased operation time and risk of damaging tires and rims due to positioning errors.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a tool-holder assembly and adjustment system that uses laser beams to identify and adjust the optimal operating position, allowing for precise positioning of tools for tire fitting and removal, reducing manual intervention and enhancing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of tool positions is performed for each wheel dimension, then the machine can accommodate different wheel sizes, but the operation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing multiple fixed tool positions corresponding to different wheel dimensions. Instead of adjusting tools continuously for each wheel size, the operator can quickly select from pre-configured positions, significantly reducing positioning time while maintaining adaptability to various wheel sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hybrid system where tool positions are dynamically selectable from multiple fixed locations. The tool-holder assembly can be rapidly moved between predetermined positions based on wheel dimensions, combining the adaptability of continuous adjustment with the speed of discrete positioning.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of tool positions is performed continuously, then the machine can be operated, but the risk of positioning errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces positioning errors by pre-configuring correct tool positions for different wheel dimensions. The predetermined positions are established during machine setup, eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment and thereby reducing the risk of operator error while maintaining ease of operation through simple position selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates visual or mechanical indicators that provide feedback to the operator about the correct tool position for a given wheel dimension. This feedback mechanism guides the operator to the appropriate predetermined position, ensuring accurate positioning while maintaining simple operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are used for different operations, then complete tire fitting and removal functions are achieved, but the complexity of tool positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tools required for tire fitting and removal operations into a single integrated tool-holder assembly. All tools are positioned relative to a common reference point, simplifying the positioning system while maintaining the ability to perform complete tire service operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool-holder assembly is designed with universal positioning that accommodates multiple different tools for various tire operations. The same positioning mechanism serves all tools, reducing overall system complexity while providing complete functional capability for tire fitting and removal.
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
Significantly reduces the time required for tool positioning and minimizes the risk of tire and rim damage, while being cost-effective and reliable, even in harsh environments, with a simple and easy-to-use mechanical solution.
Implementation Method 1
a second laser beam L2 directed along a second predetermined direction towards the spindle (4) when the tool-holder assembly (5) is in the optimal operating position, said second laser beam L2 being substantially inclined with respect to the vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
The machine (1) for fitting and removing wheel tyres for vehicles comprises a bearing structure (2), an attachment and rotation arrangement (4) of the rim (C) of a wheel (R) for vehicles, a tool-holder assembly (5) movably associated with the bearing structure (2) and having at least a tool (8, 9, 10) for removing and/or fitting a tyre (P) from/onto the rim (C), an adjustment arrangement (11, 12) able to adjust the relative position between the tool-holder assembly (5) and the rim (C), to place the tool-holder assembly (5) in an optimal operating position wherein the tool (8, 9, 10) is operable to remove and/or fit a tyre (P), and a visual signaling assembly (13, 14) of said optimal position having at least an emitter (13, 14) of a light beam (L1, L2), the optimal operating position being defined when the point of incidence of the light beam (L1, L2) on the wheel (R) coincides with an external point of the edge of the rim (C).