Tire-Wheel Assembly Linear Mounter with Match-Mark Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for assembling tire-wheel assemblies require significant capital investment and human oversight, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified apparatus and method that uses a series of processing stations with lubrication, alignment, and inflation steps to automate the assembly of tire-wheel assemblies, including match-mark imaging and linear movement interference to align and mount the tire and wheel without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional methodologies are used to assemble tire-wheel assemblies, then the assembly process can be completed, but significant capital investment and human oversight are required
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into multiple processing stations (first processing station, second processing station, third processing station, etc.), each performing a specific function in the assembly sequence. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complete automation while keeping each individual station relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-aligning mechanisms where the tire and wheel automatically position themselves through the processing stations without manual intervention. The match-mark imaging system and linear movement interference features enable the assembly to self-correct and self-align, reducing the need for complex control systems.
2Productivity
If conventional methodologies are used to assemble tire-wheel assemblies, then the assembly can be completed, but human oversight is required leading to inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables continuous assembly operations with the tire and wheel moving through multiple processing stations in sequence without interruption. The automated lubrication, alignment, and mounting operations occur continuously as components pass through the system, eliminating downtime associated with manual repositioning and oversight.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual human oversight and mechanical adjustment operations are replaced with an automated imaging and control system. The match-mark imaging system captures images, processes alignment data, and automatically adjusts the assembly process, replacing the need for human operators to visually inspect and manually correct positioning.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment and mounting are achieved, then assembly quality is improved, but the process requires more complex equipment and oversight
Solution Approach 1:
The match-mark imaging system serves as an intermediary between the physical alignment features (match-marks on tire and wheel) and the control system. Instead of requiring complex direct measurement and adjustment equipment, the system uses simple imaging to capture match-mark positions, processes the images to determine alignment, and translates this into automated positioning commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of alignment information from physical/visual (match-marks visible to human operators) to digital/image data (match-mark positions captured by imaging system). This parameter change from physical alignment features to digital representation enables automated processing and precise control without requiring complex mechanical measurement equipment.
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 solution reduces costs and improves efficiency by automating the tire-wheel assembly process, allowing for precise alignment and mounting without the need for extensive human oversight or capital investment, resulting in a more streamlined and cost-effective production method.
Implementation Method 1
A lubrication station is provided that lubricates the tire and the wheel
Data Source
Figure 1A~2A
Figure 1B~2B
Figure 1C~2C
AI summary
An apparatus (10, 100, 200, 300) for processing a tire (T) and a wheel (W) for forming a tire-wheel assembly (TW) is disclosed. The apparatus (10, 100, 200, 300) includes at least one linear mounter sub-station (10c / 10d, 110c / 110d, 210c / 210d, 310c / 310d) that couples the tire (T) with the wheel (W) for forming the tire-wheel assembly (TW). The apparatus (10, 100, 200, 300) also includes a transporting device (30, 130, 230, 330) that transports one of the wheel (W) and the tire (T) along a linear path (LPW, LPT) that traverses the at least one linear mounter sub-station (10c / 10d, 110c / 110d, 210c / 210d, 310c / 310d). The component (40 / 50, 140 / 150, 240 / 250, 340 / 350) of the at least one linear mounter sub-station (10c / 10d, 1 10c / 110d, 210c / 210d, 310c / 310d) resists, but does not prevent, movement of one of the tire (T) and the wheel (W) relative the other of the tire (T) and the wheel (W) along the linear path (LPW, LPT) in order to spatially manipulate one of the tire (T) and the wheel (W) relative the other of the tire (T) and the wheel (W) in order to at least partially couple the tire (T) with the wheel (W) for forming the tire-wheel assembly (TW). A method is also disclosed.