Wheel Locking Control for Ergonomic Tire Service Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel service machines suffer from ergonomic and operational inefficiencies due to manual or inconvenient power-driven locking devices, particularly when working with heavy and large wheels, which obstruct the user's view and require cumbersome manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A wheel service machine with a locking device that includes a clamping element and a drive mechanism, controlled by a separate, ergonomically positioned drive unit, allowing for wireless or wired command signal activation, enabling convenient and reliable locking of wheels to a shaft without obstructing the user's view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a power-driven locking device with a control pedal is used, then the locking operation is automated and requires less manual effort, but the wheel obstructs the user's view of the pedal and creates poor visibility conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two separate components: the locking device remains integrated with the wheel holder unit, while the control pedal is made independently movable and can be repositioned to a location that does not obstruct the user's view. This segmentation allows the functional elements to be separated spatially, resolving the visibility issue while maintaining automated locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control pedal is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned to an optimal location that provides good visibility for the operator. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to adapt to different operational conditions and user needs, eliminating the static visibility obstruction problem.
2Extent of automation
If the control pedal is positioned at the side of the machine, then automated locking is achieved, but the wheel obstructs the user's view and creates ergonomic problems especially with heavy and large wheels
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the control pedal from the fixed machine structure and making it independently movable, the system allows the automated locking function to remain intact while the control interface can be repositioned to ergonomic locations that do not create visibility or access problems for the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable control pedal acts as an intermediary element between the operator and the locking mechanism. It can be positioned in intermediate locations that provide both automated control capability and ergonomic accessibility, mediating between the conflicting requirements of automation and ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If a manual locking device is used, then the structure is simple, but considerable time and effort are required for the user to manipulate the device
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to perform the locking action automatically through the power-driven mechanism activated by the control pedal, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of complex locking components. The system serves itself by converting simple pedal input into automated clamping action, reducing both time and effort requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical locking operation is replaced with a power-driven system that uses actuator(s) to automatically actuate the clamping elements. This substitution of manual mechanical manipulation with automated power-driven mechanisms dramatically reduces the time and effort required while maintaining structural simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wheel service machine (100) comprises: a shaft (30) rotating abut its own longitudinal axis (A); an abutment element (40) for coming into abutment against the rim (C) supported by the shaft (30); a locking device (50) movable on the shaft (30) between an active position and a spaced-apart position; a clamping element (90) to clamp the locking device (50) and the shaft (30) to each other; a drive mechanism (60) for driving the clamping element (90); a command signal receiver (70), configured to drive the drive mechanism (60) responsive to a command signal; an emitter (80), to generate and emit the command signals; a manually transportable drive unit (1), configured to be movably rested on a supporting surface and including a control member (2), movable between an inactive position and an active position, and the emitter (80), which is connected to the control member (2) to generate the command signal responsive to the movement of the control member (2) from the inactive position to the active position.