Wheel Lifting Apparatus for Tyre Changer Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tyre changers require significant physical effort from operators to lift and position vehicle wheels, especially when dealing with different sizes, as they necessitate manual handling and dragging of wheels during tyre fitting and removal operations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a supporting structure and lifting and rotation means that includes grip mechanisms to automate the movement of wheels between vertical and horizontal positions, allowing for effortless positioning and centering on the machine's fastening means, utilizing actuator devices for automated movement and rotation around horizontal and vertical axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the grip device is positioned at a height off the ground to make it easier for an operator to access the wheel, then the operator can more easily perform tyre removal and fitting operations, but the operator must lift the wheel off the ground and position it manually, requiring significant physical effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the wheel's own weight and the mechanical advantage of the lever arm to automatically position the wheel onto the grip device. The operator simply releases the wheel from the elevated position, and gravity combined with the mechanical structure causes it to swing down and lock onto the grip device automatically, eliminating the need for manual lifting and positioning effort
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a mechanical equilibrium where the wheel, when released from the elevated position, naturally swings down to the grip device position due to gravity. The mechanical structure is designed so that the grip device position represents a stable equilibrium point, making the wheel positioning process require minimal operator effort
2Device complexity
If manual lifting and positioning of wheels is used, then the apparatus structure can be simpler, but the operator must exert considerable physical effort especially when dealing with different wheel sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical structure is designed to use gravity as the primary positioning force. The wheel is elevated to a position where, when released, it naturally swings down to the grip device location due to gravitational potential energy conversion. This creates a self-positioning system that requires minimal structural complexity while eliminating manual lifting effort
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the wheel's own weight as the counterweight to drive the positioning mechanism. By positioning the wheel at an elevated height, its weight creates a moment that automatically drives the wheel down to the grip device position, eliminating the need for additional motors or complex positioning mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If the grip device is positioned at ground level, then the operator can easily place the wheel on the ground, but the operator must still manually lift and position the wheel horizontally and centered on the grip device
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the centering and horizontal positioning functions through the mechanical swing motion. As the wheel swings down from the elevated position, the geometry of the motion naturally centers the wheel on the grip device, eliminating the need for manual centering adjustments
Data Source
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AI summary
The apparatus (1) for lifting and positioning vehicle wheels, usable in particular in machines for fitting and removing tyres, comprises a supporting structure (2) and lifting and rotation means (3, 10, 11) for lifting and rotating a wheel (R) which are associated with the supporting structure (2) and suitable for moving the wheel (R) between a first position, in which it is arranged substantially vertical close to the ground, and a second position in which it is arranged substantially horizontal close to the fastening means (B) of a machine (A) for fitting and removing tyres. The lifting and rotation means comprise grip means (3) suitable for gripping the wheel (R) and securing it during the movement between the first position and the second position.