Tire Mounter Apparatus with Adjustable Rollers for Multi-Size Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire and wheel assembly mounting systems are complex, non-compact, and limited to specific tire sizes, making them inflexible for use in various configurations and diameters, which can lead to improper mounting and potential damage during the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus with a movable deck portion, adapter plates, and rotatable rollers that can accommodate different wheel and tire sizes, featuring a centering pin, drive units for precise alignment and assembly, and a brake mechanism for adjustable movement, allowing for the assembly of tires and wheels of various configurations and diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If prior art mounting systems are used, then tire mounting can be accomplished, but the systems are too complex and non-compact
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional modules: a conveyor system for transporting wheels and tires, a soaping station for lubrication, and a mounter station for assembly. Each module performs a specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining complete mounting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential mounting function from complex production line systems, creating a standalone compact apparatus that performs only the necessary operations (conveying, soaping, and mounting) without requiring integration into elaborate automated production lines.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed diameter chambers are used, then mounting for specific tire sizes is achieved, but flexibility for multiple tire configurations is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The mounter station features adjustable components including movable deck portions and adjustable rollers that can be repositioned to accommodate different wheel and tire diameters. This dynamic adjustability allows the same apparatus to handle multiple tire configurations without requiring multiple fixed chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed as a universal mounting system that can handle various tire and wheel sizes through adjustable mechanisms. The single apparatus performs multiple functions (mounting different sizes, conveying, soaping) that would otherwise require separate specialized equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rollers are limited to two fixed distances, then simple mechanism design is achieved, but capability to assemble multiple tire configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rollers are mounted on adjustable mechanisms that allow continuous or multi-position adjustment of roller positions and orientations. This enables the rollers to adapt to different tire diameters and configurations while maintaining the simplicity of the basic rolling contact mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus of the present invention is designed for assembling tires having a pair of spaced beads of various diameters and configurations with the respective wheels having a pair of seats moveable by a conveyor along an assembly path. A mounter station is disposed on the conveyor and presenting an alignment axis. A sealing mechanism is cooperable with the mounter station and is moveable around the alignment axis by a drive unit connected thereto for forcing at least one of the beads of the tire between the seats of the wheel. The apparatus accommodates a wide variety of wheel and tire sizes, is not complex and bulky, and reduces number of parts required to form the apparatus.