Toroid Deformation Assembly for Fast Wheel Insert and Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing machines for inserting and removing toroids from special vehicle wheels are complex, time-consuming, and pose safety risks due to manual intervention and crude operation methods, leading to inefficiency and potential damage to the tire and toroid.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a base frame, gripping and retaining means, and an insertion/removal assembly that includes extendable and rotatable deformation means to facilitate precise and automated toroid insertion and removal without manual intervention, reducing stress on the tire and toroid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual intervention is used with rudimentary tools for toroid insertion/removal, then the operation can be performed with simple equipment, but the work timeline becomes excessively long and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated machine system that performs toroid insertion and removal. The machine includes automated deformation means, gripping spindles, and movement mechanisms that eliminate the need for operators to manually manipulate rudimentary tools, thereby dramatically reducing operation time while maintaining equipment accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed to perform deformation, gripping, and extraction operations autonomously without continuous manual intervention. The deformation means automatically reshape the toroid, the gripping spindles autonomously secure the tire, and the extraction mechanism self-propels the toroid removal, allowing the system to serve itself through automated sequences.
2Ease of manufacture
If crude and inaccurate methodology is used for toroid insertion/removal, then the operation procedure is simple to implement, but the precision and repeatability of the operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces crude manual methodologies with a precision-engineered machine system that incorporates controlled deformation mechanisms, accurate positioning systems, and automated extraction procedures. This substitution maintains operational simplicity through automated sequencing while achieving high precision and repeatability in toroid insertion and removal operations.
3Ease of operation
If numerous manual interventions are required during toroid insertion/removal, then the machine operation can be performed with basic controls, but the safety of operators deteriorates due to risk of injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts operators from the dangerous zone by automating the toroid manipulation processes. The machine performs deformation, gripping, and extraction operations without requiring operators to place their hands or bodies near moving toroids or powerful mechanical components, thereby eliminating injury risks while maintaining ease of operation through basic machine controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interventions with automated machine mechanisms that perform all forceful operations. The deformation means, gripping spindles, and extraction mechanisms are all motorized and controlled through basic interfaces, eliminating the need for operators to physically engage with dangerous moving parts while keeping the control system simple and accessible.
4Speed
If excessive force is applied to pull the toroid during removal, then the extraction speed increases, but the tire and toroid may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the extraction process through progressive deformation and controlled pulling sequences. The deformation means gradually reshape the toroid while the gripping spindles adjust their hold on the tire, enabling the machine to extract the toroid at high speed without applying excessive force that could damage either the tire or toroid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary deformation of the toroid before extraction to prepare it for removal. The deformation means pre-shape the toroid into a configuration that facilitates easier and faster extraction without requiring excessive pulling force, thereby protecting the tire and toroid from damage while maintaining high extraction speed.
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 machine enables safe, precise, and repeatable toroid insertion and removal, significantly reducing operation time and increasing production output while minimizing the risk of damage to the tire and toroid.
Implementation Method 1
deformation means of the toroid, e.g., of the type of hydraulic actuators, which are inserted by one or more operators inside the toroid itself for the purpose of giving the latter an elongated-ellipsoidal conformation
Implementation Method 2
one or more tire gripping spindles, configured to block the tire in place
Implementation Method 3
the insertion/removal assembly grabs the latter and, tugging it vigorously, pulls it repeatedly to itself
Implementation Method 4
the insertion/removal assembly is operated to grasp the tire, dilate the central hole thereof and forcefully push the toroid within the latter
Implementation Method 5
the insertion/removal assembly rotates the toroid itself with respect to the longitudinal insertion position, specifically arranging the outer surface thereof in contact with the inner perimeter of the tire
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for the insertion/removal of toroids into/from wheels of special vehicles comprises at least one base frame for resting on the ground; a gripping and retaining device (or the like) of a reinforced tire associated with the base frame; an insertion/removal assembly of a toroid into/from the reinforced tire; wherein the insertion/removal assembly comprises a deformation device of the toroid and a close/away movement device (or the like) of the deformation device for moving them close to/away from the gripping and retaining device (or the like) along a direction of close/away movement, wherein the deformation device are extendable/compressible along a first vertical axis and a second horizontal axis between a configuration of vertical extension, an intermediate configuration and a configuration of horizontal extension and wherein the deformation device are rotatable around the first axis.