Single-Cell Tire-Wheel Assembly Workstation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire-wheel assembly methods require significant capital investment and human oversight, involving multiple steps and workstations, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single-cell workstation with a robotic arm and adjustable tire-engaging devices that securely hold and position the tire and wheel, allowing for efficient assembly by moving the wheel through the tire's passage to securely mount them without the need for multiple workstations, reducing handling and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multi-workstation methodologies are used for tire-wheel assembly, then assembly reliability is maintained through multiple steps, but capital investment and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple assembly workstations into a single integrated workstation that can perform all tire-wheel assembly operations. The system includes a robotic arm with end effector, tire support members, and engaging devices all integrated into one station, eliminating the need for multiple separate workstations while maintaining assembly reliability through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single workstation is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple assembly operations including tire positioning, wheel insertion, bead engagement, and inflation. The robotic arm with interchangeable end effectors and the adjustable engaging devices provide multi-functional capabilities that replace several specialized workstations.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple workstations are used for tire-wheel assembly, then assembly precision is maintained through multiple steps, but human oversight and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be self-sufficient with automated robotic arm operations, programmable control sequences, and self-adjusting engaging devices. The robotic arm automatically positions components, the end effector performs precise maneuvers, and the engaging devices automatically adjust to maintain precision without requiring human intervention or oversight.
3Reliability
If conventional assembly methods are used, then tire-wheel integrity is ensured through multiple steps, but productivity decreases due to handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous automated action throughout the assembly process. The robotic arm performs uninterrupted operations, the engaging devices continuously monitor and adjust positioning, and the inflation system automatically activates. This continuous automated process eliminates pauses for human handling while maintaining tire-wheel integrity through controlled, programmed sequences.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~3A
AI summary
An apparatus (300) for processing a tire (T) and a wheel (W) for forming a tire wheel assembly (TW) is disclosed. The apparatus (300) includes a tire support member (316) including a first tire support member (316a), a second tire support member (316b) and a third tire support member (316c). Each of the first, second and third tire support members (316a, 316b, 316c) include an upper surface (316') and a lower surface (316"). The apparatus (300) includes a plurality of tire engaging devices (320) including a first tire tread engaging post (322b') and a second tire tread engaging post (322c'). A method for processing a tire (T) and a wheel (W) for forming a tire wheel assembly (TW) is also disclosed.