Tire Spreading Arm Assembly for Compact Flip and Inspection Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire handling devices lack a compact and simple method for receiving, transporting, flipping, spreading, and inspecting tires while minimizing contact points during inspection.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first and second arm assembly for lifting and flipping tires, with a transport mechanism that includes rollers and sliding means to position the tire for vertical or horizontal inspection, allowing for minimal movement and simultaneous flipping and spreading operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for receiving, transporting, flipping, spreading, and inspecting tires, then each function can be performed reliably, but the overall system becomes complex and occupies large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tire handling functions (receiving, transporting, flipping, spreading, and inspecting) into a single integrated device. The arm assembly serves multiple purposes: it receives tires from the transport mechanism, flips them by rotating, spreads them by moving arm sections apart, and positions them for inspection. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate devices for each function, reducing system complexity while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm assembly is designed as a universal mechanism capable of performing multiple operations on the tire. By equipping the arm with adjustable arm sections and positioning mechanisms, it can adapt to different handling tasks including transport, flipping, spreading, and inspection positioning, making the device versatile and reducing the overall number of components needed in the system.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional tire handling devices are used, then tire processing can be completed, but the devices occupy large space and are not compact
Solution Approach 1:
The arm sections are designed to be movable and collapsible, allowing them to be positioned close to the central axis when not in use. The first and second arm sections can be retracted or folded during transport and only extended when needed for spreading operations. This nesting capability significantly reduces the horizontal space occupied by the device while maintaining full processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic arm sections that can change their configuration based on operational needs. The arm sections move from a compact retracted position during transport to an extended spreading position during inspection. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to occupy minimal space during non-operational phases while providing full functionality when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate mechanisms are used for flipping and spreading tires, then each operation can be performed independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the flipping and spreading functions into a single arm assembly mechanism. The same arm that rotates to flip the tire also contains the arm sections that move apart to spread the tire. By combining these functions in one mechanism rather than using separate devices, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to perform both operations independently when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm assembly serves as a universal mechanism that can perform both flipping and spreading operations. Through coordinated movement of the arm sections and rotation of the entire arm, the device achieves multiple functions without requiring dedicated mechanisms for each operation, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
4Reliability
If conventional tire inspection methods are used, then tire inspection can be performed, but the contact points between the device and tire are numerous causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inspection function from direct physical contact with the tire. Instead of using multiple contact-based measurement devices, the system positions the tire using the arm assembly and then employs non-contact inspection methods (such as optical sensors or cameras) to examine the tire interior and surface. This extraction of the inspection function eliminates deformation caused by numerous contact points while maintaining inspection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm assembly serves as an intermediary that positions the tire correctly for inspection without the inspection devices themselves contacting the tire. The arm holds and positions the tire, while separate non-contact sensing systems perform the actual inspection, thus mediating between the need for secure positioning and the need to avoid deformation during measurement.
Data Source
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Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
In order to provide devices for lifting, flipping and spreading a tire (2000) as well as a system (1000) and a method for processing a tire (2000), wherein the device comprises at least a first arm assembly (10) for lifting and flipping the tire (2000) and a transport mechanism (200) for delivering the tire (2000) towards the first arm assembly (10), it is proposed that transport mechanism (200) comprises an opening (31), wherein the first arm assembly (10) is configured to be moved from beneath the transport mechanism (200) upwards through the opening (31) to lift and flip the tire (2000).