Tyre Changer Articulated Arm Segmentation for Precision

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art tyre changers require significant muscular strength and have limited positioning precision due to the need to move the entire assembly of the articulated arm and working unit, making them inefficient and imprecise.

Innovation Solution

A tyre changing apparatus with an articulated arm that includes multiple pivotally connected segments and an actuator system allowing for precise control of the working unit's position relative to the wheel rim, reducing the need for manual strength and enhancing positioning accuracy through a control unit and manoeuvring elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the entire assembly of articulated arm and working unit is moved, then the working unit can be repositioned relative to the wheel, but significant muscular strength is required and positioning precision is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of repositioning working unitVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The articulated arm is divided into multiple segments (first articulated arm segment, second articulated arm segment) that are pivotally connected. This segmentation allows independent movement of each segment, enabling precise positioning of the working unit without requiring movement of the entire assembly, thus improving positioning precision while reducing the muscular strength needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A pivotable connection is introduced between the articulated arm segments and the column, serving as an intermediary mechanism. This pivotable connection acts as a mediator that translates small control movements into precise positioning of the working unit, enhancing positioning precision without requiring significant muscular strength from the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the entire assembly of articulated arm and working unit is moved, then the working unit can be repositioned relative to the wheel, but significant muscular strength is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of repositioning working unitVSAvoidmuscular strength required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The articulated arm is divided into multiple segments (first articulated arm segment, second articulated arm segment) that are pivotally connected. This segmentation allows independent movement of each segment, enabling precise positioning of the working unit without requiring movement of the entire assembly, thus improving positioning precision while reducing the muscular strength needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A pivotable connection is introduced between the articulated arm segments and the column, serving as an intermediary mechanism. This pivotable connection acts as a mediator that translates small control movements into precise positioning of the working unit, enhancing positioning precision without requiring significant muscular strength from the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3659832B1Tyre changing apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.05.25 NEXION SPA
  • EP3659832B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3659832B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3659832B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tyre changing apparatus (1) for mounting/demounting a tyre on/from a respective vehicle wheel rim comprises: a frame (2), including a base (21) and a column (22); a chuck (3) for clamping the rim and rotatable about an axis of rotation (R) parallel to the vertical direction (V); a working unit (6) including a first working tool (63) and a second working tool (64); an articulated arm (5) extending from a first end (5A), which is hinged to the column (22) of the frame (2), to a second end (5B), which is connected to the working unit (6); an actuator (7). The working unit (6) comprises a supporting rod (62) oriented perpendicularly to the vertical direction (V) and to which the first working tool (63) and the second working tool (64) are connected. The actuator (7) is interposed between the second end (5B) of the articulated arm (5) and the supporting rod (62).