Wheel Balancer Light Indicator for Accurate Weight Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel balancer systems face challenges in accurately placing clip-style weights at the rim lip to tire interface, particularly at the 'Top Dead Center' (TDC) position, due to difficulties in judging the correct location, leading to significant residual static imbalance errors.
Innovation Solution
A wheel balancer system with a rotatable mount and imbalance sensors determines the required weight placement position and directs a line of visible light to indicate the precise location for weight placement, ensuring accurate alignment and minimizing imbalance, even when using adhesive or clip-style weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual laser positioning is used to indicate weight placement location, then the operator can see where to place weights, but the operator cannot accurately judge the TDC position due to viewing angle, resulting in placement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the illuminated indicator on the rim that rotates with the wheel) to mediate between the laser positioning system and the operator's view. This indicator provides a clear visual reference that remains accurately positioned relative to the wheel, allowing the operator to easily identify TDC and weight placement locations without suffering from viewing angle problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical laser positioning system with an automated optical indication system. The processor-controlled illumination system automatically identifies and illuminates the correct positions on the rim, eliminating the need for manual laser alignment and providing more accurate and consistent positioning
2Illumination intensity
If continuous illumination of the tire tread is used to indicate TDC, then the area is visible, but the light source cannot reach the actual weight placement location on the rim due to sidewall bulge, causing significant placement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing targeted illumination only at the specific locations where weights need to be placed (on the rim flange or bead seat area), rather than continuous illumination of the entire tire tread. The system selectively illuminates the local area of interest, ensuring both visibility and accuracy for weight placement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic illumination system that rotates with the wheel or is processor-controlled to dynamically position the light indicator at the correct angular location. This allows the illumination to accurately track the TDC position and weight placement locations as the wheel rotates, maintaining precision despite the wheel's movement
3Reliability
If adhesive weights are placed at TDC or BDC, then balancing can be achieved, but the locations are extremely difficult to judge accurately without automated aids, leading to residual static imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the processor to detect the wheel's rotational position and control the illumination system to provide continuous visual feedback to the operator. The illuminated indicator on the rim provides real-time feedback about the current angular position, allowing the operator to accurately identify TDC, BDC, and weight placement locations, thereby achieving precise weight placement and eliminating residual static imbalance
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 system effectively reduces residual static imbalance by providing a clear visual cue for weight placement, ensuring accurate positioning of correction weights, thereby improving wheel balancing accuracy and reducing vibration-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light source which directs a laser dot at the rim to thereby indicate to an operator the precise position
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for facilitating weight placement on a vehicle wheel assembly that includes a tire and a wheel are provided. The method includes determining an imbalance characteristic associated with a plane of the vehicle wheel, determining a correction weight placement position associated with the determined imbalance characteristic, and directing a line of visible light at the determined weight placement position.