Tool-less Tire Mounting via Bead Elasticity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire and wheel mounting methods require significant capital investment for equipment and maintenance, and often rely on complex automated systems that include the use of traditional tools.
Innovation Solution
A 'tool-less' mounting system where the tire and wheel are manipulated to function as mounting tools, with one component driven by a prime mover while the other remains passive, eliminating the need for traditional installation tools and reducing equipment requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional automated tire and wheel mounting equipment is used, then mounting effectiveness is achieved, but capital investment and equipment complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional mounting tools (pressure roller wheels, tool packs) from the mounting system. The tire and wheel themselves are used as the mounting mechanism, with the tire bead acting as the mounting tool that pushes the wheel onto the hub. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces equipment complexity while maintaining mounting effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The tire and wheel assembly performs the mounting function for itself. The tire bead, when deformed and pushed against the wheel flange, automatically accomplishes the mounting task without external tools. The system uses its own components (tire bead elasticity, wheel flange geometry) to complete the mounting operation, eliminating the need for separate mounting equipment.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting tools are used, then mounting function is achieved, but equipment cost and maintenance investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tire bead serves as its own mounting tool by utilizing its elastic deformation properties. When the tire is mounted on the rim and the bead is pushed against the wheel flange, the bead's elasticity provides the necessary force to mount the wheel without external tools. This self-service approach eliminates expensive mounting equipment while maintaining reliable mounting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The tire bead performs multiple functions: it seals the wheel rim, provides structural support, and acts as the mounting tool. By making the tire bead multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate mounting tools, reducing equipment cost while maintaining mounting capability.
3Productivity
If fully automated mounting systems are implemented, then continuous operation is achieved, but equipment investment and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex automated mounting equipment from the system and replaces it with a simplified manual or semi-automated process using the tire-wheel assembly itself. The continuous operation capability is maintained through the efficiency of the simplified process rather than through complex automation, reducing both equipment complexity and maintenance costs.
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional mounting equipment is used, then mounting precision is achieved, but equipment requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel flange geometry and tire bead configuration work together to ensure precise mounting. The flange's shape and the bead's elastic properties naturally guide the mounting process, achieving precise alignment and seating without complex positioning equipment. The system uses its own geometric features to ensure mounting precision.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A system (200) for mounting a tire (T) and a wheel (W) is disclosed. The system (200) includes a robotic arm (202) pivotably-connected (P1-P6) to an end effector (204). The system (200) also includes a tire-supporting portion (208) including a support surface (210) and a pair of wheel-engaging and tire-manipulating portions (216) disposed upon the support surface (210). The pair of wheel-engaging and tire-manipulating portions (216) includes a first wheel-engaging and tire -manipulating portion (216a) fixedly-disposed relative the support surface (210) and a second wheel-engaging and tire -manipulating portion (216b) movably-disposed (Y, Y') relative the support surface (210).