Wheel Balancer Locking Means for Tyre Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel balancers lack precision in measuring forces resulting from unbalances in rotating rim/tyre assemblies, leading to suboptimal determination of tyre uniformity.
Innovation Solution
A wheel balancer with a rotatably mounted measuring shaft and load means, such as a load roller or belt, that applies a predetermined force to the rim/tyre assembly while maintaining a constant distance between the measuring shaft and load means, using force sensors to measure radial and axial forces, and computing means to analyze these forces for precise tyre uniformity determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a load roller is used to measure forces on the rim/tyre assembly, then the measurement capability is provided, but clearance errors due to structural tolerances and wear occur reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring shaft and load means are pre-loaded with a predetermined force to establish a strained state before measurement begins. This preliminary action ensures that the components are already in contact with sufficient force to eliminate clearances and tolerances during the actual measurement process, preventing measurement errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the measuring arrangement by applying a predetermined load force, transitioning from an unstrained to a strained state. This parameter change (applying force) eliminates the harmful clearances and wear gaps, ensuring reliable and precise measurements throughout the measurement cycle.
2Measurement precision
If the measuring shaft and load means are kept in a strained state with predetermined load, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are integrated into the existing structure of the measuring shaft and load means assembly. The predetermined load mechanism is combined with the force application system, creating a unified strained state arrangement that maintains precision without requiring entirely separate complex subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means act as an intermediary element that maintains the strained state between the measuring shaft and load means. This intermediary component ensures continuous contact and force transmission without requiring complex active control systems, simplifying the overall device while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If locking means are used to maintain constant distance between measuring shaft and load means, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are designed to automatically maintain the strained state and constant distance between components during measurement. Once the predetermined load is applied, the system self-regulates to maintain the required positioning without requiring continuous manual adjustment or complex control operations, improving ease of operation while maintaining precision.
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
This solution provides improved precision in measuring forces and tyre uniformity, minimizing clearance errors due to structural tolerances and wear, and allows for accurate determination of tyre stiffness and runout, thereby enhancing the balancing process.
Implementation Method 1
force sensors (8) which on their one side are in force locking contact with the contact portion (25) in which forces are acting between the tread surface and the load roller (12) and on their other side are supported non-rotatably on the stationary frame (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a wheel balancer which comprises a stationary frame, a measuring shaft mounted rotatably about its shaft axis on the stationary frame and adapted to receive coaxially a rim/tyre assembly. The invention further comprises encoder means for determining the angular positions of the measuring shaft or of the rim/tyre assembly, load means to apply a load to the periphery of the rim/tyre assembly, measuring means to measure forces resulting from an unbalance of the rotating rim/tyre assembly, measuring means to measure forces acting between the load means and the periphery of the rim/tyre assembly and locking means to keep the distance between the shaft axis and a contact portion at which the periphery of the rim/tyre assembly contacts the load means constant during the measurement of the forces acting between the load means and the periphery of the rim/tyre assembly.