Wheel Clamping Device Single Drive Unit Spindle Sleeve Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel-service machines require additional actuators or manual effort to clamp wheels, leading to increased costs, risk of machine failure, and time-consuming processes, especially when handling multiple wheels.
Innovation Solution
A wheel-clamping device with a spindle and sleeve system, utilizing a single drive unit for rotary movement, which engages a threaded connection to clamp and center the wheel, employing stopping/holding means and clamping mechanisms to securely fix the wheel without additional actuating means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional actuator devices are used to clamp wheels, then the wheel clamping function is improved, but the machine cost increases and the risk of machine failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single drive unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both the rotary movement for wheel clamping through the spindle-sleeve mechanism and the operational drive for wheel servicing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuator devices, reducing machine complexity and failure risk while maintaining reliable wheel clamping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the wheel clamping function and the wheel service operation function into a single integrated drive system. The drive unit, spindle, and sleeve are merged into one mechanism where the same rotary movement accomplishes both clamping and operational tasks, thereby reducing the total number of components and potential failure points.
2Reliability
If additional actuator devices are used to clamp wheels, then the wheel clamping function is improved, but the machine cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single drive unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both the rotary movement for wheel clamping through the spindle-sleeve mechanism and the operational drive for wheel servicing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuator devices, reducing machine complexity and failure risk while maintaining reliable wheel clamping capability.
3Productivity
If manual adjustment is used to mount the wheel, then the machine cost is reduced, but the procedure is more time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel mounting process is automated through the self-service mechanism where the rotary movement of the spindle automatically drives the sleeve to move axially, which in turn actuates the clamping means. The system serves itself by converting rotational motion into the necessary linear clamping action without requiring manual intervention, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining ease of operation through a simple rotary input.
4Device complexity
If a single drive unit is used for both clamping and operation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the clamping speed may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel clamping process utilizes periodic action through the oscillating or reciprocating movement of the sleeve. The sleeve moves axially during the clamping phase, then returns to its initial position, creating a periodic cycle. This allows the single drive unit to achieve rapid clamping speeds by optimizing the duration and intensity of each stroke, maintaining high productivity while using only one drive unit.
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 quick and secure clamping of wheels using a single drive unit, reducing the need for additional actuators, minimizing machine failure risks, and streamlining the wheel-service process by leveraging the existing rotary movement for both clamping and operational tasks.
Implementation Method 1
the spindle has an external thread on an external circumferential portion... the sleeve has an internal thread portion which is in threaded engagement with the external thread-portion of the spindle... by means of the threaded engagement of spindle and sleeve, the spindle is able to rotate the sleeve in the first rotating direction, as well as in the second rotating direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a wheel-clamping device for wheels on wheel-service-machines with only one drive unit and further a method for clamping wheels on a wheel-clamping device of wheel-service-machines with only one drive unit. The innovative wheel-clamping device for a wheel-service-machine according to the present invention comprises a frame 20 having a through-opening 22, and a spindle 30 being rotatably supported in the through-opening 22. Further, the spindle 30 has a through-hole 32 with a mounting-side end 30b and a driving-side end 30a, which is connectable to a drive means which is provided for a rotary movement for the spindle 30, wherein the spindle 30 has an external thread 34 on an external circumferential portion. Moreover, the wheel-clamping device comprises a sleeve 50 with a turntable 58 for the wheel to be clamped, wherein the sleeve 50 has an internal thread portion 52 which is in threaded engagement with the external thread-portion 34 of the spindle 30. Furthermore, a stopping or holding means 70 is able to temporarily hold the sleeve 50, and a clamping means 60 for the temporarily fixation of a fixing element 40 which is inserted through the mounting-side end 30b, to the spindle 30 is also provided in the innovative wheel-clamping device.