Adhesive Wheel Balance Weights With Raised Center Removal Feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adhesive-type balance weights for vehicle wheels are difficult to remove when new adjustments are needed, compromising their ability to remain firmly affixed to the wheel, and they lack ease of customization.
Innovation Solution
The adhesive-type weight system features flexible thin iron plate weights with a raised center section and notches for easy separation, allowing quick application and removal using a screwdriver and mallet, and can be customized by removing individual weights from a continuous strip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive-type weights are used to firmly affix weights to the wheel, then the weight remains securely attached during operation, but the weight becomes difficult to remove when adjustments are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The weight is designed with a raised center section that creates a natural separation point, allowing the weight to be segmented into two parts during removal. This segmentation enables the weight to be pried off the wheel at the raised section without compromising the adhesive bond during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The raised center section acts as an intermediary element between the adhesive and the removal tool. It provides a mechanical leverage point that mediates between the strong adhesive bond and the need for easy removal, allowing a screwdriver or similar tool to engage and pry the weight off without damaging the wheel or the adhesive.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual weights are customized by removing from a continuous strip, then customization flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing and application process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous strip of weights includes pre-formed breaking points or notches at the ends of each weight section. These segmentation features allow individual weights to be easily separated from the strip by simple breaking or snapping actions, providing customization flexibility without requiring complex cutting tools or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The breaking points are pre-formed during manufacturing, preparing the weight strip for easy separation before application. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex field customization, as the weights can be easily broken apart with simple hand pressure or light tapping, reducing application complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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
Enables easy application and removal of weights without compromising adhesion, improving efficiency and customization, thus maintaining wheel balance effectively.
Implementation Method 1
adhesive is bonded to one side of the iron material
Data Source
AI summary
An improved adhesive-type weight system for use with vehicle wheels includes one weight or a series of weights arranged as a tape. Each weight is formed of a flexible thin iron plate material having a perimeter with opposing longitudinal ends and opposing lateral sides. The series of weights can be oriented end-to-end or side-to-side, and each weight includes two planar sections separated by a center raised section. The center section can be a peak, an arch, a step, or some other raised configuration. Additionally, it can be tapered from one side to another. On the underside of each weight is adhesive and a release paper, which can be continuous across a series of weights or separated and applied under each individual weight. Where weights are attached to adjacent weights in series, preferably a notch or cut extends along the connection to encourage easy separation.