Universal Spoke Tensioning Machine with Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spoke wheel tensioning machines require dedicated, precision-made shell members for different rim types, leading to inefficiencies in adaptation and increased alignment deviations.
Innovation Solution
A tensioning machine that does not clamp the rim, using a microcomputer-controlled system with rotatable nipple wrenches and sensors to measure and correct lateral and vertical alignment deviations, allowing for universal adaptation and precise tensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated precision-made shell members are used for every rim type, then the rim can be firmly clamped down, but the device complexity increases and adaptation to different rim types becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal clamping system with adjustable clamping elements that can adapt to different rim types, widths, and diameters without requiring dedicated shell members for each rim variant. The clamping elements feature adjustable positioning mechanisms and adaptable contact surfaces that accommodate various rim geometries, eliminating the need for multiple specialized components while maintaining reliable clamping stability across different spoke wheel types.
2Manufacturing precision
If dedicated precision-made shell members are manufactured for every rim type, then accurate clamping is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping system incorporates dynamic, adjustable elements rather than fixed, dedicated components. The clamping elements can be positioned and adjusted during operation to accommodate different rim types and dimensions, eliminating the need to manufacture separate precision components for each rim variant. This dynamic adaptability maintains high clamping accuracy while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If the machine uses predetermined torque for nipple tightening, then the tensioning process is simple, but lateral and vertical alignment deviations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning machine incorporates sensors that detect lateral and vertical alignment deviations of the rim during the tensioning process. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust the nipple tightening torque in real-time, ensuring that the rim remains properly aligned while achieving the desired spoke tension. The system automatically compensates for alignment deviations by modifying the tightening force applied to individual nipples, thereby maintaining both operational simplicity and alignment precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If shell members are exchanged for different rim types, then the machine can handle various spoke wheels, but the adaptation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine employs a universal clamping system with adjustable elements that can accommodate multiple rim types, widths, and diameters without requiring physical exchange of shell members. The adjustable clamping elements can be repositioned and reconfigured quickly to match different rim geometries, enabling the machine to handle various spoke wheel types while minimizing adaptation time and maintaining high versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a tensioning machine comprising means by which a spoke wheel provided with spokes to be tensioned between the wheel hub and the rim thereof, which spokes are provided with rotatable rim moving elements, is placed in the tensioning machine, fixing means by which the position of the wheel hub is fixed after the spoke wheel has been placed in the tensioning machine, driving means connected to the spoke wheel for rotating the spoke wheel, a control system for the tensioning machine, drivable spoke tensioning means connected to the control system, which spoke tensioning means can be connected to the rim moving elements, and measuring sensors connected to the control system, which measuring sensors are arranged for measuring any lateral and/or vertical deviation of the spoke wheel at least at the location of the rim. The control system is arranged for correcting the spoke tension in the spoke wheel on the basis of controlled - non-torque dependent - rotation of the rim moving elements and/or the spoke tensioning means.