Wheel Balancer Spacer Disk for Precise Heavy-Wheel Centering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel balancers struggle to accurately balance medium and heavy commercial vehicle wheels due to play between the wheel bore and centering disk, leading to vibration issues, especially when the wheel is mounted differently, which is common in vehicles like Class 3 to Class 5 trucks, SUVs, and passenger cars.
Innovation Solution
A universal mounting system for wheel balancers that includes a spacer disk designed to center on the wheel balancer hub, allowing direct engagement with the balancer's spring, and uses low-tapered cones or collets to ensure proper centering, along with centering plates and studs with extended nipples, to eliminate gravity effects and improve balancing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centering disk with large tolerance is used for heavy commercial wheels, then the wheel can be mounted, but play between the wheel bore and centering disk causes the wheel to drop and rotate in an ovular path due to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centering plate with studs as an intermediary component between the wheel and the centering disk. The studs engage with corresponding holes in the wheel, providing precise positioning and eliminating the play caused by the large tolerance of the centering disk alone. This intermediary mechanism transfers the centering function from a single large-tolerance disk to a combination of the disk and the precision-studded plate.
2Ease of operation
If the wheel is mounted with the valve stem positioned along the bottom to accommodate the play, then the mounting is simplified, but the vehicle shakes wildly when driven at speed due to doubled play
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of play and gravity-induced wheel drop into a beneficial centering mechanism. The centering plate with studs is designed to work with the gravitational force, allowing the wheel to settle into a precise positioned rather than creating harmful oscillations. The system transforms the unavoidable gravitational effect into a controlled centering action that eliminates harmful vibrations.
3Manufacturing precision
If a centering plate with studs and extended nipples is used, then final centering is achieved, but the play between the wheel bore and centering disk remains and reduces balancing results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the centering plate and studs perform the final centering adjustment after the wheel has been initially positioned by the centering disk. The extended nipples of the studs engage with the wheel holes to make precise positional adjustments, compensating for any remaining play. This two-stage centering process ensures both ease of mounting and high balancing accuracy.
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 provides superior balancing results for wheels ranging from 80 to 150 lbs., and potentially up to 300 lbs., by ensuring precise centering and reducing vibrations, even when the wheel is mounted differently, enhancing the accuracy and durability of the balancing process.
Implementation Method 1
A clamping tool is also used to secure the wheel to the wheel balancer hub which often includes a spring-loaded mechanism. The spring-loaded mechanism allows automatic compensation for any inaccuracy in the stud device as well as thickness variations in the wheel itself.
Implementation Method 2
The cone/collet serves as the 'static centering' device that centers the wheel exactly on the wheel balancer shaft while trying to overcome the effects of gravity.
Implementation Method 3
The clamping tool serves as the 'dynamic torquing' device that forces the wheel to sit straight on the wheel balancer
Data Source
AI summary
A universal mounting system for a wheel balancer is a system that facilitates the mounting of a wheel to a wheel balancer in such a way that gravity effects are eliminated by utilizing the captured spring in the balancer hub. The system includes a spacer disk that centers on the balancer hub for greater balancing accuracy. The spacer disk accommodates a low-tapered cone/collet with direct access to the captured spring for proper balancing of the mounted wheel. The spacer disk includes a first open base, a second open base, an annular ledge, a lateral disk wall, and a shaft-receiving hole. The first open base accommodates the cone/collet and the stud nipples used with a centering plate. The second open base accommodates the balancer hub. The annular ledge allows the spacer disk to engage the balancer hub. The shaft-receiving hole accommodates the balancer shaft and the cone/collet.