Tire Handler Leveling and Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large industrial vehicles present challenges in safely and conveniently handling and manipulating heavy tires and wheels due to their size and weight, with existing solutions being either impractical or too expensive for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A tire handler device featuring a suspension arm with a hoist attachment, level sensor, and remotely-controlled actuators, along with adjustable arms and grab arms, allows for safe and efficient movement and alignment of tires, compatible with common hoisting equipment and adjustable for various tire sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rolling dollies are used to support and maneuver tires, then the tire can be moved, but maneuvering over rough terrain becomes difficult or impossible due to small wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wheel size parameter from small (in dollies) to large (in the crane-mounted device), enabling the system to handle both rough terrain and heavy tires effectively. The large wheels overcome obstacles and provide stable movement across varied surfaces while maintaining the ability to maneuver heavy tires.
2Ease of operation
If rolling dollies are used to support tires, then the tire can be moved, but vertical leveling ability is limited making proper alignment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates level sensors that provide feedback on the tire's orientation and position. This feedback enables the control system to adjust the positioning mechanisms in real-time, ensuring precise vertical leveling and proper alignment of the tire with the vehicle hub during the replacement process.
3Ease of operation
If specialized large robotic arms are used for tire handling, then tire manipulation capability is improved, but device weight and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional device that combines tire handling, positioning, and alignment capabilities in a single integrated system mounted on a crane. This universal device can perform multiple tire maintenance operations (removal, installation, alignment) without requiring separate specialized equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full manipulation capability.
4Ease of operation
If specialized large robotic arms are used for tire handling, then tire manipulation capability is improved, but device cost increases and availability at all locations becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a crane as an intermediary platform to mount the tire handling device. Cranes are commonly available at most job sites and can be rented or owned by various organizations. This intermediary approach allows the sophisticated tire manipulation system to be deployed without requiring ownership of expensive dedicated robotic systems, thereby improving accessibility and reducing cost.
5Ease of manufacture
If manual tire handling is used for large vehicles, then equipment cost is reduced, but safety risks increase and heavy tires cannot be manipulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the tire handling system to service itself through automated positioning and control mechanisms. The device uses sensors, actuators, and control systems to automatically manipulate heavy tires without requiring human physical contact or manual effort, thereby ensuring safety while handling extremely heavy loads that would be impossible to move manually.
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
Enables safe and convenient handling of large and heavy tires, allowing for proper alignment and servicing across a range of tire sizes, improving safety and reducing the need for expensive robotic solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a tire handler level sensor configured to detect an orientation of the tire handler
Implementation Method 2
The lower left arm positioner comprises a linear actuator and is connected between a location near an upper end of rear lower left arm beam and a location near a lower end of forward lower left arm beam
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a tire handler for the movement and manipulation of tires and wheels for large vehicles. The tire handler is lifted by a crane or similar hoisting equipment. The tire handler comprises improvements including an automatic leveling system, power adjustable tire control and support arms, and wireless remote operation of powered functions.