Variable-Length Arm Handling Apparatus for Mining Tire Bead Breaking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for handling and replacing vehicle tires, especially large ones like those used in mining equipment, are cumbersome and dangerous, particularly when dismounting and mounting wheels in confined spaces, and require significant force to break the bead for removal from the rim.
Innovation Solution
A modular article handling apparatus with variable-length arm members and gripping means, including a central body with tooth members for bead breaking, and hydraulic systems for pivoting, allowing secure grip and efficient dismounting and mounting of tires, along with a rim disassembly tool for precise bead breaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional manual methods are used for dismounting and mounting wheels, then operational flexibility is maintained, but the process becomes cumbersome and dangerous particularly for large mining equipment wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The handling apparatus is divided into multiple arm members (first arm member, second arm member, third arm member) that can independently grip different parts of the wheel. Each arm member can be independently positioned and controlled, allowing safe handling of large wheels without requiring complex monolithic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to handle wheels of various sizes and types through adjustable arm members with variable lengths. The same apparatus can accommodate different wheel configurations by adjusting arm positions and lengths, providing universal functionality across mining equipment applications.
2Productivity
If significant force is applied to break the bead for tire removal, then the tire can be detached from the rim, but the risk of injury and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A bead breaking tool is introduced as an intermediary device between the gripping mechanism and the tire bead. This tool is specifically designed to break the bead seal in a controlled manner, distributing the breaking force safely and enabling efficient tire removal without direct manual intervention in the high-force zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of bead breaking is replaced with a controlled mechanical system where the bead breaking tool is positioned and actuated by the apparatus. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to manually apply large forces, reducing injury risk while maintaining productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-length arm members are used in the handling apparatus, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to accommodate various tire sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The arm members are designed with variable lengths that can be adjusted during operation. This dynamic capability allows the apparatus to adapt to different tire sizes by extending or retracting arm members as needed, providing versatility without requiring multiple complete apparatus configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the arm members (specifically length) are made changeable to accommodate different operational requirements. By allowing parameter changes in arm member dimensions, the apparatus can handle various tire sizes while maintaining a relatively simple base structure that doesn't require complete reconfiguration for different applications.
4Ease of operation
If the handling apparatus operates in confined spaces such as underground mines, then operational capability is maintained, but the available workspace and maneuverability are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The arm members are designed to be nested or collapsed into each other when not in use, reducing the overall footprint of the apparatus. This nesting capability allows the equipment to be transported and stored in confined spaces while still providing full functionality when deployed in mining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs dynamic arm members with variable lengths that can be extended only when needed for specific operations. When retracted, the apparatus occupies minimal space, enabling operation in confined underground mine environments where space is limited but full handling capability is still required.
Data Source
AI summary
An article handling apparatus comprising a handling frame comprising a plurality of arm members adapted to grip the article, at least one of the plurality of arm members being of variable length. There is also disclosed means for dismounting a tire from a wheel, the means comprising a housing and a pad, the housing being adapted to be releasably attached to gripping means and the pad adapted to break the bead of the tire to facilitate removal of the tire from the wheel.