Wheel Clamp Mechanism for Rapid Tire-Changer Spindle Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire changing machines face challenges in securing wheel rims efficiently onto a drive spindle and subsequent removal, requiring significant manual effort and time due to the complexity of conventional clamping mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A tire changing machine with an axial clamping system featuring a shaft with ball bearings in a spiral configuration, allowing for rapid securing and release of wheel assemblies onto a rotatable drive spindle using a movable plunger and spring-loaded release tab, facilitated by handles for rotation and clamping nut engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional clamping mechanisms are used to secure wheel rims, then the wheel rim can be secured, but significant manual effort and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional manual threading mechanisms with a ball bearing and spiral channel system that converts rotational motion into automatic axial clamping motion. The ball bearings roll within spiral channels formed by the shaft and drive spindle, automatically generating the clamping force needed to secure the wheel rim without manual threading effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping mechanism transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic ball-bearing-based system. The ball bearings can freely move along the spiral channels, allowing the mechanism to adapt to slight misalignments and provide smooth, progressive clamping action during rotation, making the operation more efficient and easier to control.
2Productivity
If conventional threading mechanisms are used, then the wheel rim is secured, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex threaded fasteners and multi-component locking mechanisms by substituting them with a simple ball-bearing-and-spiral-channel system. This substitution dramatically reduces the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining secure clamping capability, thereby reducing both time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the clamping force through ball bearings in spiral channels, acts as a rotational drive component, and enables quick release by reversing rotation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate clamping and release mechanisms, simplifying the overall device.
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
Enables rapid and secure attachment and detachment of wheel assemblies to the drive spindle, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing manual labor in tire changing procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft is configured with a set of ball bearings seated within radial bores adjacent a first axial end of the shaft
Implementation Method 2
The movable plunger is coupled at an opposite axial end of the shaft to a spring-loaded release tab
Data Source
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AI summary
An axial clamping system for securing a wheel assembly onto a tire changer drive spindle. The clamping system consists of a shaft for engaging an axial bore of the drive spindle, configured with a set of ball bearings seated within radial bore arranged in a spiral configuration and which extend into a central bore of the shaft. Axial movement of a plunger within the central bore radially displaces the ball bearings to protrude outboard of the shaft outer surface, engaging a spiral channel within the drive spindle axial bore. Rotation of the clamping system within the drive spindle axial bore while the ball bearings engage the spiral channels, tightens a clamp nut against a wheel assembly seated on a flange of the drive spindle. Counter rotation and retraction of the plunger within the shaft releases the clamping forces, allowing for removal of the wheel assembly from the drive spindle.