Tire Jack and Trolley Lever Actuator Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for replacing automobile tires require significant physical exertion and pose safety concerns due to the weight of the wheel and tire, which can exceed 10 kg, and do not facilitate easy lifting and alignment with the wheel hub.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a pair of tire engagement roller assemblies with an actuator assembly that allows for relative movement towards a mounting arrangement, enabling the tire to be securely positioned and lifted onto the rollers without requiring excessive user effort, using a lever actuator assembly to pivot and slide the base frames inwardly to mount the tire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional methods are used to lift and position the wheel and tire, then the user can replace the tire, but significant physical exertion is required and safety concerns arise due to the weight exceeding 10 kg
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tire changing apparatus as an intermediary device between the user and the heavy wheel-tire assembly. This apparatus includes engagement assemblies that grip the tire and a lifting mechanism that provides mechanical advantage, allowing the user to manipulate the heavy tire with minimal physical effort. The apparatus acts as a mediator that transforms the user's small input force into the large force needed to lift and position the 10+ kg wheel-tire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The tire changing apparatus is divided into separate functional components: engagement assemblies that grip the tire, a lifting mechanism for vertical movement, and a positioning mechanism for alignment with the wheel hub. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing the overall physical effort required compared to manual handling of the entire wheel-tire assembly as a single unit.
2Ease of operation
If conventional manual methods are used, then the tire can be replaced, but alignment with the wheel hub and wheel studs is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement assemblies of the tire changing apparatus preliminarily grip and secure the tire before the lifting operation begins. This preliminary engagement ensures that the tire is firmly held and will not slip or rotate during the lifting and positioning process, making alignment with the wheel hub straightforward. The tire is prepared and secured in advance, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments during mounting.
3Productivity
If a car jack is used to raise the automobile, then the tire can be accessed for replacement, but the process requires multiple steps and time
Solution Approach 1:
The tire changing apparatus combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the engagement assemblies grip the tire, the lifting mechanism raises it, and the positioning system aligns it with the wheel hub all in one continuous operation. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate manual operations for each step, significantly reducing the time required for tire replacement compared to conventional multi-step processes.
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 apparatus reduces the effort needed to replace tires by allowing for easy lifting and alignment with the wheel hub, enhancing safety and efficiency in mounting and removing tires from an automobile.
Implementation Method 1
lever actuator assembly to pivot and slide the base frames inwardly to mount the tire
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for retaining and moving an automobile tire, and which includes a pair of tire engagement roller assemblies and a lever actuator assembly coupled to the roller assemblies. The roller assembly includes a movable base frame and a tire engaging roller rotatably coupled to the base frame, and the lever actuator assembly includes a lever arm, a link arm pivotally coupled to the lever arm along a length thereof, and a retention bar for selectively holding the lever and link arms in a fixed position relative to each other. Longitudinal end portions of the lever and link arms are rotatably coupled to associated said roller assemblies. Rotational movement of the lever arm towards a generally upright position effects inward movement of the roller assemblies towards each other to mount the tire disposed therebetween.