Integrated Tire Lift Rollers for Easier Wheel Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire changing machines lack a comprehensive solution that integrates the lift mechanism with a roller assist system, leading to inefficiencies and increased manual effort during tire changing operations.

Innovation Solution

A tire changing machine with a tire lift and roller assist system, featuring a lifting assembly with a support platform and a roller assembly that moves between deployed and inactive positions, allowing for efficient lifting and rotation of the wheel assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed position roller assist system is used, then the wheel assembly can be rotated during bead loosening, but the system lacks integration with the lift mechanism requiring separate manual handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel assembly rotationVSAvoidseparate lift and roller systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the roller assist system and lift mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The rollers are mounted on the lift platform, so that when the lift raises the wheel assembly, the rollers automatically engage to assist rotation. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual handling operations and reduces the number of discrete components in the tire changing machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If the lift is placed on the opposite side of the bead loosening area, then space constraints are addressed, but manual movement of the wheel assembly is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine space utilizationVSAvoidwheel assembly positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated lift platform with rollers acts as an intermediary between the bead loosening area and the opposite side of the machine. The platform can be positioned to bridge the space gap, and the rollers facilitate smooth transition and rotation of the wheel assembly during the lifting process, eliminating the need for manual movement while maintaining space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the roller assist is fixed to the machine frame, then rotation assistance is provided, but the rollers cannot adapt to different lifting positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel assembly rotationVSAvoidroller position adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the roller assembly dynamic by mounting it on the movable lift platform rather than fixing it to the machine frame. As the lift platform moves vertically and horizontally to different positions, the rollers move with it, automatically adapting to different lifting positions and wheel assembly locations while continuing to provide rotation assistance throughout the entire range of motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250074122A1Roller assist and lift for tire changing machine

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 COATS CO LLC

AI summary

A tire changing machine includes a frame, a rotatable turntable for holding a wheel assembly, a bead breaker assembly engaging the wheel assembly, and a lifting assembly movably attached to the frame. The lifting assembly comprises a lift, a support platform connected to the lift, and a roller assembly movably linked to the support platform. The machine facilitates efficient tire changing operations by providing a stable platform for wheel manipulation and lifting mechanisms for easy access to the wheel assembly, enhancing the overall tire changing process.