Tyre Changer Roller Force Variation Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tyre changers fail to effectively detect non-uniformities in wheel/tyre assemblies, which can lead to vehicle vibrations, tumbling motions, and poor running performance.

Innovation Solution

A tyre changer with a mounting device, roller, and sensor system that applies a predefined force to the peripheral surface of the wheel/tyre assembly, measuring force variations using sensors like strain gauges or piezoelectric sensors to assess radial and axial forces, and analyzing these to determine uniformity or non-uniformity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a tyre changer is equipped with a roller to apply force to the tyre peripheral surface, then the ability to detect non-uniformities is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensor devices and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection of non-uniformitiesVSAvoidstructure of tyre changer
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roller serves dual functions: it applies controlled force to the tyre peripheral surface during normal tyre changing operations, and simultaneously acts as a measurement point for detecting force variations that indicate non-uniformities. This multi-functionality allows the system to gain measurement capabilities without adding separate dedicated measurement components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The roller acts as an intermediary element between the tyre and the measurement system. By measuring the force variations at the roller-tire contact point, the system indirectly detects non-uniformities in the tyre structure, converting complex internal tyre properties into measurable external force variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If force variations are measured using sensor devices, then the detection accuracy of wheel/tyre non-uniformity is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce variations detectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Existing structural components of the tyre changer (roller, mounting device, pillar) are repurposed to serve as measurement platforms. The roller's mechanical structure becomes part of the measurement system, eliminating the need for completely separate expensive measurement apparatus and reducing overall manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The tyre changer system performs self-diagnosis by using its own operational components (roller applying force during normal operation) to detect non-uniformities. The system leverages its own operational forces and structures to generate measurement data, reducing the need for additional dedicated measurement infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the roller applies a predefined force to the peripheral surface, then the measurement reliability is improved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement consistencyVSAvoidcontrol device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device receives feedback from sensors about the actual force applied by the roller and adjusts the roller's position or applied force to maintain the predefined force level. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent measurement conditions while allowing the control system to adapt to variations in tyre properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of maintaining a completely rigid fixed force application system, the control device allows dynamic adjustment of measurement parameters (such as roller position, applied force magnitude) to optimize measurement conditions for different tyre types and conditions, improving reliability across varied scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system accurately detects force variations, preventing non-uniformities that cause vehicle instability and improving running performance by ensuring the wheel/tyre assembly meets manufacturer-defined force limits.

Implementation Method 1

measuring force variations acting between a peripheral surface of a wheel/tyre assembly and a roller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain gauge measurement: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

measuring force variations acting between a peripheral surface of a wheel/tyre assembly and a roller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric force detection: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2634016B1Tyre changer and a method of measuring force variations acting between a peripheral surface of a wheel/tyre assembly and a roller
Publication Date: 2017.12.20 SNAP ON EQUIP SRL
  • EP2634016B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2634016B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2634016B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a tyre changer comprising a mounting device (18) for receiving a wheel/tyre assembly, the mounting device (18) having an axis (S), a roller (26) being able to contact a peripheral surface of the wheel/tyre assembly, the roller (26) applying a force to the peripheral surface, a control device (32) for controlling the predefined force applied by the roller (26) to the peripheral surface during a rotation of the wheel/tyre assembly about the axis (S) and a sensor device (30) measures force variations acting between the peripheral surface and the roller (26), wherein supports (20, 22) of the roller (26) and of the mounting device (18) are designed for a relative movement of the roller (26) and of the mounting device (18) towards each other along a straight line to apply a predetermined force to the peripheral surface. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of measuring force variations acting between a peripheral surface of a wheel/tyre assembly and a roller (26).