Tyre Changer Lifting Device Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tyre changer machines are hindered by bulky and complex lifting devices that require significant space and effort to operate, limiting operator efficiency and increasing the risk of injury during wheel positioning and unloading.
Innovation Solution
A compact lifting device with a structure that moves between a contracted and extended configuration, allowing the wheel to be lifted and positioned beside the wheel-holder unit without intersecting its axis of rotation, reducing the machine's dimensions and facilitating easy wheel placement without physical effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lifting device with a frame surrounding the wheel-holder unit is used, then the wheel can be positioned correctly on the tabletop, but the device becomes particularly bulky and requires ample room for manoeuvre
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is divided into two functional parts: a lifting device that raises the wheel vertically, and a separate positioning device that pushes the wheel horizontally onto the tabletop. This segmentation allows each component to be compact while performing its specific function, eliminating the need for a large surrounding frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device is integrated into the lifting device structure, with the positioning element being part of the lifting assembly. This merging reduces the overall device footprint by combining multiple functions into a single integrated unit rather than requiring separate bulky components.
2Reliability
If a lifting device with multiple arms positioned at opposite sides is used, then the wheel can be held over the tabletop with vertical alignment, but the frame becomes particularly large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is separated from the support function. The lifting device provides vertical movement, while a separate positioning element with pushing means handles horizontal alignment. This segmentation allows using lighter components for each specific function rather than requiring a heavy multi-armed frame for both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
A positioning element acts as an intermediary between the lifting device and the wheel. This positioning element with its pushing means provides the necessary alignment function without requiring the lifting device itself to be structurally complex or heavy. The intermediary handles the alignment task efficiently.
3Extent of automation
If a complex lifting device with multiple actuators is used, then the wheel positioning and unloading can be fully automated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is designed to perform multiple functions: vertical lifting of the wheel, horizontal positioning, and pushing the wheel onto the tabletop. By making the lifting device multi-functional, the patent reduces the total number of actuators needed compared to having separate dedicated devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is merged into the lifting device, with the positioning element being actuated as part of the lifting operation. This merging reduces the total actuator count by combining control functions rather than requiring independent actuators for lifting and positioning operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tyre changer machine (100) comprises a frame (101) which can rest on a supporting surface (A), a wheel-holder unit (102), able to rotate about its own axis of rotation (B) perpendicular to the supporting surface (A) and a lifting device (1) having a structure (6) forming a sustaining surface (C) which is level to allow the wheel (4) to be rested and rolled on the sustaining surface (C), the structure (6) being able to move between a lowered position and a raised position, and movement means (18) connected to the structure (6) for moving it between the lowered position and the raised position along a predetermined trajectory, in such a way that the structure (6) is always kept away from the wheel-holder unit (102) without surrounding it.