Wheel Alignment Device for Automated Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the machining of aluminum alloy wheels, existing technologies face challenges in automating the alignment process for wheels with different widths and offset distances, requiring frequent program changes and manual intervention to ensure accurate positioning for automatic machining.
Innovation Solution
A wheel alignment device comprising a rack, guide pillars, lifting cylinders, servo motor, and other mechanical components that automatically adjust to align wheels of varying widths and offset distances without needing program changes, utilizing lifting and rotating mechanisms to center and clamp the wheel, allowing for precise positioning without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual alignment methods are used for wheels with different widths and offset distances, then positioning accuracy can be maintained through operator skill, but frequent program changes and manual intervention are required reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device employs adjustable mechanical components including a movable positioning plate and adjustable clamping mechanisms that can dynamically adapt to different wheel widths and offset distances. The positioning plate can be shifted along the guide rail to accommodate various wheel positions, while the clamping force can be adjusted through the hydraulic or mechanical actuation system, enabling the device to handle diverse wheel specifications without program changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device is designed as a universal fixture system that can accommodate multiple wheel types through its adjustable positioning and clamping mechanisms. The device integrates centering, positioning, and clamping functions in a single fixture assembly, allowing it to universally handle wheels with different widths, offsets, and configurations without requiring separate fixtures or program changes for each wheel type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed alignment fixtures are used for specific wheel types, then positioning precision can be optimized for that wheel type, but the device cannot handle wheels with different widths and offset distances without program changes
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device employs adjustable mechanical components including a movable positioning plate and adjustable clamping mechanisms that can dynamically adapt to different wheel widths and offset distances. The positioning plate can be shifted along the guide rail to accommodate various wheel positions, while the clamping force can be adjusted through the hydraulic or mechanical actuation system, enabling the device to handle diverse wheel specifications without program changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for physical adjustment of alignment parameters through mechanical means. The positioning plate location can be changed to accommodate different wheel offsets, and the clamping mechanism geometry can be adjusted to suit different wheel widths. These physical parameter changes enable the fixture to maintain precise alignment for various wheel types without requiring program modifications.
3Extent of automation
If mechanical arms are used to grab lower rims for automatic machining, then automation level increases, but the lower end surface must be positioned at a fixed height requiring complex alignment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device uses a horizontally oriented positioning plate that provides a stable reference surface at a consistent height for the lower rim. The guide rail and positioning plate arrangement creates an equipotential alignment reference that maintains the lower end surface at a fixed height, simplifying the mechanical arm's positioning task and reducing the complexity of alignment procedures while preserving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device acts as an intermediary fixture between the wheel and the mechanical arm. It provides a standardized interface with fixed positioning features that translate various wheel configurations into a uniform positioning format, allowing the mechanical arm to operate with simple, consistent positioning commands regardless of wheel type, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses an improved wheel alignment device which comprises a rack, a cylinder, a servo motor, a hollow shaft and the like. When the improved wheel alignment device is used, a stopper on a roller table centers a wheel, air enters at the lower end of a large piston and causes a long cylinder rod, a flange end cover, an expanding sleeve and the like to rise; the flange end cover is in contact with a wheel flange plate, and after the expanding sleeve is in contact with a central hole, air enters at the upper end of a small piston of a small cylinder, a short cylinder rod pulls an expanding core downwards, and the expanding sleeve clamps the central hole of the wheel; the servo motor causes the hollow shaft and the wheel to rotate by a belt pulley I and a belt pulley II, and the hollow shaft and the wheel stop rotating after a sensor finds the position of a valve hole of the wheel; at the moment, lifting cylinders cause a supporting plate to rise to a certain height through guide pillars, and a large cylinder causes the wheel to descend and the lower end surface of the wheel to fall above the supporting plate. The improved wheel alignment device can realize the alignment function before the automatic machining of wheel finish turning in use, and when the wheels with different wheel widths and different offset distances are automatically produced, programs do not need to be switched.