Wheel Carrying Bar and Pivot Peg for Low-Strain Hub Fitting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for fitting wheels to vehicle wheel hubs require significant physical effort and can cause strain on the user's back due to the weight and size of the wheels, making it difficult for both amateurs and professionals to perform the task efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A tool set comprising a wheel carrying bar and support pegs with pivotable joints and sliding handles that allow for easy alignment and lifting of the wheel, reducing the physical effort required to position the wheel on the hub, and enabling efficient fitting without over-straining the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user lifts the wheel with both hands to position it on the wheel hub, then the wheel can be located on the hub, but the user experiences significant physical effort and back strain
Solution Approach 1:
A lifting device acts as an intermediary between the user and the wheel. The device includes a first bearing coupling that pivotably engages with a second bearing coupling, forming a pivotable joint that enables mechanical advantage. The lifting device engages with the wheel and the wheel hub, allowing the user to apply force to the lifting device rather than directly lifting the heavy wheel, thereby reducing physical effort and back strain while still achieving wheel location.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanic lifts the vehicle to chest height to reduce lifting effort, then the wheel can be held with reduced effort, but the mechanic commonly causes injury
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device serves as a mediator that eliminates the need for the mechanic to lift the vehicle to chest height. By engaging the lifting device with the wheel and wheel hub, the user can apply force to the lifting device which then lifts the wheel to the correct position. This intermediary mechanism reduces both the physical effort required and the injury risk associated with improper lifting techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device incorporates a pivotable joint formed by the first and second bearing couplings, allowing dynamic movement during the lifting operation. The pivotable joint enables the lifting device to adapt to the wheel's position and movement, providing smooth lifting action without requiring the mechanic to maintain static awkward positions, thereby reducing injury risk.
3Ease of operation
If the user sits on the ground to support the wheel on their body, then the wheel can be positioned on the hub, but the user must maintain an uncomfortable and potentially harmful position
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device acts as an intermediary that eliminates the need for the user to sit on the ground and support the wheel on their body. The device engages with the wheel and provides mechanical support, allowing the user to stand in a normal position and apply force to the lifting device. This reduces user strain while still enabling wheel positioning.
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 tool set significantly reduces the physical effort needed to fit a wheel to a vehicle wheel hub, making the process more comfortable and accessible for users of all experience levels, while also reducing the risk of injury and aligning the wheel accurately.
Implementation Method 1
The first bearing coupling (106) is configured to pivotably engage with the second bearing coupling (206) to thereby form a pivotable joint (140)
Implementation Method 2
The concave bearing surface (120) of the first bearing coupling (106) may have a convergent lead-in region (122) which reduces in diameter from the opening (110) to a minimum diameter (Dmin), from which extends a support region (124) comprising a spherical surface (127)
Data Source
AI summary
A tool set for fitting a wheel to a wheel hub of a vehicle. The tool set comprises a wheel carrying bar and a support peg. The wheel carrying bar is configured to pivotably engage with the support peg.