Tire Fitting Machine Tool Carrier Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire-changing machines face challenges in efficiently moving the tool-carrier arm away from the wheel without increasing the machine's overall dimensions, which hinders operator movement and increases operation time, especially when dealing with multiple tires of the same dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The machine incorporates an articulated quadrilateral mechanism with memorization and positioning means that allows the tool-carrier unit to be moved away from the wheel and then back to a compact configuration, maintaining the same work position, using an articulated quadrilateral mechanism with thrust springs and locking/release mechanisms to adjust and store the tool-carrier unit's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the supporting upright is tipped up to move the tool-carrier arm away from the wheel, then the work area is freed for operator movement, but the machine's overall dimensions increase due to space required at the rear
Solution Approach 1:
The tool-carrier arm is moved from a rearward tipping motion to a lateral folding motion along the side of the upright. This dimensional change allows the arm to clear the work area without requiring rear space, resolving the contradiction between operator accessibility and machine compactness
Solution Approach 2:
The tool-carrier arm is folded laterally against the supporting upright, nesting the arm within the vertical profile of the upright structure. This nesting approach minimizes the machine's overall footprint while maintaining full operational capability
2Ease of operation
If the tool-carrier arm is moved away from the wheel, then operator access is improved, but the operator must reposition the operating head for each wheel size, increasing operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The memorization means automatically records the operating head position for each wheel size before the arm is moved away. When the same wheel size is processed again, the system automatically restores the saved position, eliminating the need for manual repositioning and reducing operation time
Solution Approach 2:
The memorization and positioning system provides feedback by detecting wheel dimensions and automatically adjusting the operating head position based on pre-stored data. This closed-loop control eliminates manual intervention and reduces cycle time for repetitive tasks
3Ease of operation
If a movement system is added to move the tool-carrier arm away from the wheel, then operator access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool-carrier arm is designed with dynamic folding capability along a lateral axis, allowing it to move between a working position and a stored position against the upright. This dynamic design provides accessibility without requiring complex tipping mechanisms or additional support structures
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting upright serves multiple functions: it supports the tool-carrier arm during operation, provides a surface against which the arm can be folded for storage, and acts as part of the memorization system mounting structure. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating separate components
Data Source
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AI summary
The machine (1) for fitting and removing wheel tyres for vehicles comprises a bearing structure (2), means for fastening and rotating (5) the rim of a wheel (A) for vehicles, a tool-carrier unit (6) associated mobile with the bearing structure (2) and having a removal tool (7), adjustment means (8) suitable for adjusting the position of the tool-carrier unit (6) with respect to the bearing structure (2), to place the tool-carrier unit (6) into a work configuration wherein the removal tool (7) is arranged in proximity of the means for fastening and rotating (5), memorisation means (22) for memorising the position of the tool-carrier unit (6) in the work configuration and positioning means (21) for positioning the tool-carrier unit (6) with respect to the bearing structure (2) between the work configuration and a configuration of minimum overall dimensions, wherein the tool-carrier unit (6) is arranged in proximity of the bearing structure (2).