Wheel-Holder Locking Mechanism for Single-Operator Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire changers have a complex design that makes it difficult and unsafe for a single operator to quickly adjust the height of the wheel-holder, leading to reduced productivity and increased risk of damaging tires or tools during mounting/demounting operations.
Innovation Solution
A wheel-holder with a sliding shaft and a maneuvering element that allows for easy and secure locking in multiple positions, enabling a single operator to adjust the height safely and efficiently, using a block with an insert and pusher mechanism to engage and disengage stops on the shaft, facilitating quick and secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a complex structure is used for the wheel-holder adjustment mechanism, then the height adjustment may be more precise, but the ease of operation deteriorates and requires two operators
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the spring-loaded pusher that automatically engages with the stops on the shaft. The spring force maintains constant pressure on the shaft, enabling single-operator control while achieving precise height adjustment positions through the indexed stops.
2Manufacturing precision
If a complex structure is used for the wheel-holder adjustment mechanism, then the height adjustment may be more precise, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The block merges multiple functions into a single component: it houses the pusher mechanism, contains the spring element, provides the maneuvering element for operator control, and incorporates the engagement feature with the shaft stops. This consolidation achieves precise height adjustment without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If the shaft is made easily adjustable by a single operator, then the productivity increases, but the reliability of secure locking may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded pusher is pre-loaded to automatically engage with the stops on the shaft when the shaft is positioned at any of the indexed heights. This preliminary engagement action ensures secure locking before the operator releases the maneuvering element, maintaining reliability while enabling single-operator adjustment.
4Ease of operation
If the adjustment mechanism is simplified for single-operator use, then the ease of operation improves, but the capability to prevent oscillations may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher acts as an intermediary between the operator's manual adjustment and the shaft's final locked position. The spring-loaded pusher maintains constant contact pressure on the shaft, damping oscillations and ensuring stable positioning at each height increment while remaining simple enough for single-operator control.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a wheel-holder including: a support base, a shaft slidingly movable with respect to the support base and having a plurality of stops, a support plate carried by the shaft and configured to receive the rim of a wheel, a block carried by the support base and configured to engage a stop for locking the shaft in an operating position, preventing the relative sliding between support base and shaft. The block includes an insert movable with respect to the shaft, a maneuvering element active on the insert and configurable between a thrust position and a release position. The block includes a pusher which, in the release position of the maneuvering element, thrusts on the insert to maintain it in engagement with the stop.