Sectioned Wheel Lock-Ring Assembly for Easier Tire Retention Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining rings for wheel assemblies, particularly those for large tires, are difficult to remove, cumbersome, and often large and heavy, making them challenging to handle during installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A lock-ring system with a coupler plate that allows for easier separation and handling of lock-ring ends, using a handle to maintain separation and protect fasteners, reducing the need for manual disassembly and preventing unintentional misplacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a retaining ring is made large and heavy to retain large tires, then the retaining strength is improved, but the ease of handling and operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock-ring is divided into multiple sections that can be separated from each other. Each section can be handled individually, reducing the effective weight and size that a person must manipulate at any one time, while the assembled sections provide the necessary retaining strength for large tires.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupler plate is introduced as an intermediary component to connect the lock-ring sections. The coupler plate includes a coupler slot that receives a fastener, providing a mechanical means to assemble and disassemble the sections. This intermediary device facilitates easier handling during installation and removal while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
2Reliability
If a retaining ring is made difficult to remove for secure retention, then the reliability of tire retention is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock-ring transitions from a static, permanently fixed structure to a dynamic, reversible assembly. The sections can be securely assembled to provide reliable tire retention, then easily disassembled using the coupler plate and fastener mechanism when removal is needed. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt between secure retention and easy removal states.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler plate and fastener system is pre-configured to enable controlled disassembly. The coupler slot is designed to receive the fastener in a manner that allows preliminary preparation for removal - the fastener can be accessed and operated to initiate the separation process, making removal easier while maintaining security during normal operation.
3Ease of operation
If fasteners are exposed for easy access during assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of damage or loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is nested within the coupler plate structure. The coupler slot provides a protective channel that guides and contains the fastener, keeping it secure during assembly and disassembly operations. This nesting arrangement allows easy access to the fastener through the open end of the coupler slot while protecting it from damage or loss when not in use.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock-ring system may include one or more lock-ring sections configured to at least partially define an annular lock-ring and one or more coupler plates configured to couple a first ring section end of a first lock-ring section to either a second ring section end of the first lock-ring section or to a ring section end of a second lock-ring section. The one or more coupler plates may be configured to be received in ring recesses of the one or more lock-ring sections. The one or more coupler plates may be coupled to the one or more ring section ends by fasteners and may be configured to slide relative to the ring recesses when the fasteners are loosened, so that a lock-ring formed by the one or more lock-ring sections may be mounted on, or removed from, a wheel assembly. A handle may be used to assist with maintaining separation of the lock-ring sections during handling and to assist with handling the lock-ring during removal and installation of the lock-ring on a wheel assembly.