Vertical Tyre Manipulator With Pivoting Arms for Safer Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tyre manipulators pose safety risks and inefficiencies for maintenance workers during tyre changing tasks in earth-moving equipment due to limited visual contact, manual handling of heavy tools, and the need for manual installation of stairs and platforms, which increases the risk of injury and prolongs the task duration.
Innovation Solution
A vertical manipulator with pivoting arms equipped with gripping plates and securing rollers, supported by lifting jacks, allows for safer and faster tyre assembly/disassembly by maintaining better operator visibility, reducing manual labor, and enabling the tyre to be lowered to the ground for easier handling and stacking, while being mounted on a powerful carrier machine capable of handling various terrains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tyre manipulators are used, then tyre changing can be performed, but maintenance workers face safety risks due to limited visual contact and manual handling of heavy tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary platform that serves as a safe working area between the manipulator operator and the maintenance workers. This platform with rail-mounted movable platforms allows workers to operate remotely with improved visual contact, reducing safety risks while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with automated manipulator systems. The manipulator performs all heavy lifting and positioning operations, substituting the need for workers to manually handle heavy tools and tyres, thereby improving safety while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If manual stairs and platforms are installed for worker access, then workers can access the work area, but this increases the risk of injury and prolongs task duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable platforms that can move along rails and be positioned at different heights and locations. This dynamic system replaces static manual stairs, providing safe and easy worker access while reducing installation time and improving safety through controlled, automated positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable platforms are self-contained with their own propulsion and positioning systems, allowing them to autonomously navigate to the required work positions. This eliminates the need for manual installation and adjustment of access equipment, reducing task duration and improving safety.
3Productivity
If the manipulator maintains the tyre in vertical position throughout the operation, then all manipulation movements can be performed, but workers must work in confined spaces with heavy tools for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by alternating between vertical manipulation phases (for speed and efficiency) and horizontal positioning phases (for worker safety and comfort). The manipulator periodically transitions the tyre between these positions, allowing workers to safely intervene during horizontal phases while maintaining productivity during vertical phases.
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 solution enhances safety by improving visual contact and reducing manual handling risks, and significantly reduces the time required for tyre maintenance tasks by allowing the manipulator to perform vertical disassembly and stacking, while maintaining operational efficiency comparable to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The movement of the pivoting arm is achieved because the support arm is supported by a lifting jack
Implementation Method 2
pivoting arms which are equipped with the tyre gripping plates; this is the same as saying that the manipulator lowers and lifts only the pivoting arms which support the gripping plates
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical manipulator for large size tyres which includes a platform and mechanisms for holding, raising, and rotating tyres, for the safe working of maintenance workers. The vertical manipulator works on all types of terrain and its movements include those of conventional manipulators, in addition to others specific to the invention, rendering its features superior. The vertical manipulator includes a main transverse body from which are suspended two sets of parallel arms that open and close according to the size of the tyre. To each set of parallel arms is added a support arm, which holds a pivoting arm, equipped with a gripping plate, securing side rollers and a lower roller, the pivoting arm operating supported by a lifting jack, and a work platform being disposed on the parallel arms and supported by the main body.