Tyre Changer Rim Centring Device with Friction Reduction Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel centring methods in tyre changer machines are prone to errors due to friction issues and require laborious adjustments, especially for 'inverted' rims, leading to surface wear and inefficient centring processes.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising two sliding plates with friction reduction means and a radial constraining element, allowing for precise and effortless centring of the rim by facilitating sliding in multiple directions, reducing friction and maintaining the rim's surface integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the rim is centred by sliding on the wheel-holder unit using a tapered clamping tool, then the rim can be positioned coaxially, but friction between the rim and wheel-holder unit prevents reliable sliding and causes surface wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centring device with a centring cone as an intermediary element between the clamping tool and the rim. The centring cone protrudes from the clamping tool and engages with a centring hole in the rim, providing a dedicated sliding interface that is separate from the rim's outer surface. This mediator allows the rim to be centred through sliding of the centring cone on the wheel-holder unit without the rim's aesthetic surface contacting and wearing against the unit.
2Measurement precision
If the rim is centred by sliding on the wheel-holder unit, then the rim can be positioned coaxially, but the aesthetic surface of inverted rims undergoes wear and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The centring device acts as a protective intermediary that transfers the sliding action from the rim's aesthetic surface to the centring cone's contact surface. The centring cone engages with a separate centring hole in the rim, allowing the rim to be centred without the outer aesthetic surface sliding against the wheel-holder unit, thus preventing wear and maintaining appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the centring function from the rim's outer surface by introducing a separate centring hole and centring cone interface. This segmentation allows the aesthetic surface to be separated from the functional sliding interface, enabling the rim to maintain its appearance while still achieving precise centring through the dedicated centring mechanism.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a prior art centring device with protuberances is used, then surface wear is prevented, but the device requires laborious adjustment and preliminary operations
Solution Approach 1:
The centring device is designed to be self-adjusting through the elastic action of spring elements. The springs automatically adjust the position of the centring cone relative to the clamping tool based on the rim's position, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of protuberances. The device adapts to different rim positions automatically, making operation simpler while still preventing surface wear through the intermediary centring mechanism.
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
Enables rapid, precise, and friction-free centring of the rim, maintaining the rim's surface integrity and simplifying the operation, while being cost-effective and easy to produce.
Implementation Method 1
friction reduction means operatively interposed between the first plate and the second plate for facilitating their sliding relative to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A device for centring the rim of a wheel on the wheel-holder unit of a tire changer machine comprises a first plate which can be positioned above the wheel-holder unit and coupled there for rotating integrally with it and equipped with a through opening which can be aligned with a central hole of the wheel-holder unit for allowing the insertion of a clamping rod in the hole through the opening, for locking the rim on the wheel-holder unit. The device also comprises a second plate forming a supporting surface (E) for the rim and equipped with its own through opening, the second plate being slidably positioned above the first plate and the device also comprises friction reduction means operatively interposed between the first plate and the second plate for facilitating their sliding relative to each other.