Tire Dismount Finger With Rollers To Reduce Wheel Damage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dismounting tires from wheel assemblies often result in damage to the wheel, finger, or both, due to the high forces required, leading to poor sealing, aesthetic issues, and potential need for repair or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus involving a pair of fingers that are inserted between the tire bead and the bead seat, with one finger rotating away from the other without crossing the bead seat's edge, to lift the tire bead past the seat without touching it, and a specialized finger design with rollers and chisel points to minimize contact and force, along with a rotation assembly to facilitate the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a bar or lever is used to lift the tire bead past the bead seat using the edge of the wheel as a fulcrum, then the tire can be dismounted, but the wheel can be dented or bent
Solution Approach 1:
A finger is introduced as an intermediary tool between the bar/lever and the tire bead. The finger is inserted between the bead and bead seat, and the bar pivots against the finger rather than directly against the wheel edge. This intermediary protects the wheel from direct contact with high forces while still enabling effective bead lifting through the finger's mechanical advantage.
2Productivity
If the bar or lever is rotated around the outer edge of the bead seat to extend the tire bead, then the dismounting process can be completed, but the wheel edge can be scratched, scored, or bent
Solution Approach 1:
The finger serves as a protective intermediary during the rotation phase. As the bar rotates to extend the bead past the bead seat, the finger remains positioned between the bar and the wheel edge, preventing direct contact that would cause scratching or scoring. The finger absorbs the rotational forces and transfers them to the bead without damaging the wheel.
3Force
If high force is applied to overcome friction between the rubber tire bead and metal wheel, then the bead can be lifted, but the wheel, finger, or both can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static friction (bar pressed against stationary bead) to dynamic friction (finger rotating with bead). By rotating the finger along with the bead during the lifting process, the relative motion reduces friction forces. The finger and bead move together in a coordinated rotation, minimizing the force required to overcome friction while preventing damage through reduced stress concentrations.
4Reliability
If the finger is pressed tightly against the bead to prevent slipping, then lifting effectiveness is improved, but the finger can become stuck or leave scratches on the wheel
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining static tight contact that can lead to sticking, the finger is designed to rotate dynamically with the bead. This rotational motion maintains effective grip through continuous engagement while preventing the finger from becoming stuck. The dynamic rotation allows the finger to ride along the bead surface without creating excessive localized pressure that would cause scratching or sticking.
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
The method and apparatus reduce damage to the wheel and finger, improve the sealing process, and prevent costly repairs by minimizing contact and force, allowing for safer and more efficient tire dismounting.
Implementation Method 1
The force required to lift the tire bead(s) past the bead seat using the edge of the wheel as a fulcrum can dent or bend a portion of the wheel. Additionally, the force required to rotate the bar or lever; or rotate the tire with the bar or lever in place, around the outer edge of the bead seat can cause scratching, scoring, or bending of the outer edge of the wheel.
Implementation Method 2
a specialized finger design with rollers and chisel points to minimize contact and force
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a method for dismounting a tire from a wheel assembly. The method may comprise inserting at least a first finger and a second finger between a top bead of a tire and a top bead seat of a wheel, pulling a portion of at least the top bead past a plane defined by the outer edge of the top bead seat, and moving the first finger in a first rotational direction away from the second finger. Also described herein is a finger for dismounting a tire from a wheel. The finger may comprise at least one roller having two opposing ends, each end connected to a corresponding end of a roller nest of the finger. Also described herein is an apparatus for removing a tire from a wheel. The apparatus may comprise a wheel alignment assembly, a tire dismount assembly, a bead lifter, and a rotation assembly.