Segmented Tire Inspection Chuck for Precise Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire inspection apparatuses lack robust centering, high stiffness, and suffer from variable clearances that impede repeatability during tire inspection processes.
Innovation Solution
A tire inspection assembly with a chuck assembly featuring upper and lower locking assemblies, each segmented to provide dual-action clamping, and a spindle assembly with integrated rotary couplings to minimize vibrations, combined with gothic arch-shaped grooves and locking balls for precise alignment and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the centering precision and repeatability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is divided into multiple segments (e.g., six segments) that can independently move radially. Each segment contains locking balls that engage with gothic arch-shaped grooves on the shaft, allowing distributed precision locking around the circumference while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular repetition
Solution Approach 2:
The gothic arch-shaped grooves provide a curved engagement path for the locking balls. This curvature enables automatic self-centering as the balls roll into the arch shape during engagement, ensuring precise radial positioning without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
2Strength
If conventional clamping mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the stiffness under load is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking segments are designed to dynamically respond to applied loads by adjusting their radial position. When load is applied to the shaft, the segments automatically move to increase clamping force on the locking balls, maintaining constant contact and maximizing stiffness under varying load conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping function and locking function are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The same segmented structure that provides locking also provides clamping, eliminating the need for separate clamping components and achieving high stiffness through the combined action of multiple locking segments
3Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then the device is simple to operate, but variable clearances reduce repeatability
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical clearance-based locking is replaced with a positive engagement system using gothic arch grooves and spherical locking balls. This substitution eliminates variable clearances by providing fixed geometric engagement points, ensuring repeatable positioning while maintaining simple pneumatic or spring-actuated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to self-center and self-adjust during engagement. The gothic arch shape guides the locking balls into precise positions automatically, and the segmented structure self-adjusts to eliminate clearances without requiring manual adjustment or complex control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A tire inspection assembly includes a spindle and a clamping mechanism. The tire inspection assembly generally functions to mount a tire and allow for the inflation thereof to perform a test on the mounted tire. The tire inspection apparatus generally offers more robust centering, higher stiffness versus loads, and greater elimination of variable clearances that can otherwise impede repeatability.