Adjustable Wheel Clamp Assembly for Recessed Hub Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel adaptors for large diameter vehicle wheels, particularly those with deeply recessed central hubs, are cumbersome, difficult to engage, and prone to errors due to high inflation pressures and varying hub configurations, while lightweight adaptors struggle with clearance and alignment on such wheels.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable wheel adaptor assembly with a base supporting three contact members, a spring-biased clamp, and adjustable optical target mount, allowing for synchronous radial adjustment and clamping to secure optical targets on various wheel diameters, and enabling line-of-sight clearance between adjacent wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional rim-clamping adaptors are used with large diameter wheel assemblies, then the adaptor can provide sufficient structure to clear the hub, but the adaptor becomes large, heavy, and awkward to use
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor employs an adjustable centering mechanism with a telescoping rod and locking collar that allows the contact members to be radially positioned. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same adaptor to accommodate various wheel sizes and hub configurations without being permanently oversized, reducing the effective volume and weight needed while maintaining ease of operation across different wheel types.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor divides its structure into modular components including a base assembly, adjustable centering mechanism with separate contact members, and a clamp assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier handling and adjustment, improving ease of operation while maintaining sufficient clearance structure only where needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adaptors are used on heavy duty vehicles, then they can accommodate varying hub configurations, but the engagement process becomes time consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor incorporates pre-configured contact members with specific geometries designed to match common hub configurations, and a pre-biased clamp assembly ready for quick engagement. The adjustable centering mechanism is pre-positioned to allow rapid radial adjustment, enabling technicians to engage the adaptor quickly without extensive manual configuration for different hub types.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased clamp assembly provides automatic clamping force upon engagement, eliminating the need for manual tightening adjustments. The adjustable centering mechanism with its locking collar allows the contact members to self-center and lock into position on the hub, reducing the skill level and time required for proper engagement while maintaining compatibility with various hub configurations.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight adaptors are used, then weight is reduced, but they struggle with clearance and alignment on wheels with deeply recessed hubs
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor uses a telescoping rod with adjustable length and a locking collar mechanism that allows the contact members to be radially extended or retracted. This dynamic adjustment enables lightweight construction while providing sufficient reach and clearance for deeply recessed hubs, as the contact members can be extended only when needed rather than being permanently oversized.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor introduces radial adjustment capability as an additional degree of freedom, allowing the contact members to be positioned at different radial distances from the center. This dimensional adjustment enables the lightweight adaptor to achieve proper alignment and clearance on various wheel configurations without requiring increased overall size or weight.
4Adaptability or versatility
If contact members are made adjustable for different wheel diameters, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable centering mechanism with its telescoping rod, locking collar, and radially adjustable contact members serves multiple functions: it accommodates different wheel diameters, provides radial positioning, ensures proper alignment, and works with various hub configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized adaptors, justifying the moderate increase in complexity by providing universal compatibility across wheel types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the centering adjustment mechanism and the contact member adjustment into a single integrated system. The telescoping rod and locking collar simultaneously control the radial position of multiple contact members, merging what could be separate adjustment mechanisms into one unified system, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining versatility.
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
Facilitates secure, efficient, and accurate alignment measurements on heavy-duty vehicles with diverse wheel configurations, reducing errors and line-of-sight issues.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased clamp assembly (200) secured to the base assembly (102)
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel adaptor for placement against a rim edge of a wheel having a recessed central hub. The adaptor comprises a base supporting, on an inboard side, a framework for synchronous radial adjustment of at least three contact surfaces. An axially adjustable target mount is secured to the base on an outboard side. A spring-biased clamp is coupled to the base, positioned axially inboard of the target mount. Extending radially outward from the clamp, a pair of wheel clamp arms are adjustably configured to engage the tread surface of a tire when placed against the wheel. Engagement of the clamp applies a grips the tire tread surface, holding the contact surfaces against the wheel. A radially outward position of the contact surfaces along the base is controlled by a rotating selection element and a set of linkages coupling each contract surface to the selection element.