Robotic Wheel Gripper With TPMS Valve Stem Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated tire/wheel assembly systems face challenges in precisely positioning the TPMS valve stem to prevent damage during assembly, as the required degree of precision is not adequately met by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A robotic wheel gripper unit equipped with a selectively moveable arm and a gripper tool featuring gripper fingers and sensors is used to detect the TPMS valve stem and rotate the wheel to position it correctly on the assembly conveyor, ensuring the valve stem is not damaged during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a robotic wheel gripper without sensor detection is used, then the assembly operation is simpler and faster, but the TPMS valve stem cannot be precisely positioned and may be damaged during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with an optical sensor system. The sensor detects the TPMS valve stem location and communicates it to the robotic controller, which then positions the wheel accordingly. This substitution of mechanical sensing/positioning with optical detection and software control achieves high positioning precision while keeping the physical gripper structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary element between the robotic gripper and the TPMS valve stem. The sensor detects the valve stem's position and transmits this information to the control system, enabling precise positioning without direct mechanical contact or complex mechanical alignment mechanisms. This intermediary sensing approach resolves the contradiction by adding minimal complexity while achieving high precision.
2Reliability
If the wheel is rotated to precisely position the TPMS valve stem, then damage to the valve stem is prevented, but the assembly time increases due to additional positioning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of the TPMS valve stem position using a sensor before the actual assembly operation. By detecting and recording the valve stem's initial position in advance, the system can calculate the required rotation angle and execute a single, precise rotational movement to position the valve stem correctly. This preliminary detection action prevents the need for multiple trial-and-error positioning attempts, thereby protecting the valve stem while minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor continuously monitors the wheel's rotation and detects when the TPMS valve stem reaches the correct position. This feedback information is sent to the robotic controller, which automatically stops the rotation at the precise moment the valve stem is properly positioned. This closed-loop feedback control ensures reliable positioning while minimizing unnecessary rotation time, thus protecting the valve stem without significantly reducing productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A robotic wheel gripper unit that is configured for gripping and transporting a wheel to a predetermined position during an assembly operation with a tire is disclosed. The robotic wheel gripper unit comprises a selectively moveable arm that includes a gripper tool connected thereto. The gripper tool further includes a plurality of gripper fingers and at least one sensor. The gripper fingers are configured for selectively engaging a portion of a wheel. The sensor is configured to detect a predetermined element on the wheel, such as a TPMS valve stem, to assist in placement of the wheel during an assembly operation.