Wheel Balancing Tubes for Azimuthal and Longitudinal Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for rotationally balancing vehicle wheels and tires often fail to place balancing weights in the central plane of mass, leading to residual vibrations and premature tire wear due to unaddressed azimuthal and longitudinal imbalances.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a plurality of balancing tubes distributed at various radial angles, oriented transversely to the central plane of mass and parallel to the wheel's axis of rotation, allowing weights to be inserted and secured longitudinally within these tubes to balance the tire both azimuthally and longitudinally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weights are attached to the rim flange at a point opposite from the maximum imbalance, then azimuthal imbalance is corrected, but longitudinal vibration remains because weights are not disposed in the central plane of mass
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional rim flange weight placement to three-dimensional weight positioning by introducing balancing tubes that extend axially through the wheel. This allows weights to be positioned not only azimuthally but also longitudinally within the central plane of mass, eliminating both azimuthal and longitudinal vibrations simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Balancing tubes serve as intermediary structures that facilitate precise weight placement in the central plane of mass. These tubes extend axially through the wheel and provide a controlled environment for inserting and securing weights at the correct longitudinal position, ensuring weights are disposed exactly where needed to eliminate longitudinal vibration.
2Ease of operation
If traditional rim flange weighting is used, then the process is simple and cosmetic, but the center of rotation does not coincide with the vehicle axis, creating residual vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing tube system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The tubes extend axially through the wheel and contain mechanisms (such as friction fits or locking features) that automatically position and secure weights in the central plane of mass, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures while ensuring reliable rotational stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If weights are placed only azimuthally on the rim flange, then installation is straightforward, but longitudinal position cannot be varied to place weights in the plane of central mass
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing tube is divided into multiple segments or zones along its axial length, with each segment representing a different longitudinal position. Weights can be inserted into specific segments to achieve precise longitudinal positioning in the central plane of mass, while the modular design keeps installation straightforward.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle wheel is provided with a plurality of tubes (130, 230, 330) distributed at various radial angles from the center and orientod generally transversely of the central plane of the wheel (114, 214, 314) and generally parallel to the wheel's axis of rotation. The azimuthel and longitudinal imbalance of a mounted tire including the wheel (114, 214, 314) is determined. To balance the mounted tire both azimuthally and longitudinally, one or more weights (144, 244, 344) are inserted into one or more tubes (130, 230, 330) disposed ond the wheel (114, 214, 314) at appropriate azimuthal locations. The weights (144, 244, 344) are placed longitudinally of the tubes (130, 230, 330) in the plane of central mass of the mounted tire, and are secured in that position within the tube (130, 230, 330) by any of a variety of means such as thread locking fluid, friction, or plugs.