Vehicle Wheel Rim Holding Device with Elastic Form-Fit Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding devices for vehicle wheel rims on balancing machines face issues with inaccurate coupling due to constructional tolerances, require additional frictional coupling elements that increase complexity and maintenance, and have limited radial movement and reproducibility of locking positions.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with a base plate, rotatably mounted retaining elements, a synchronization element for rotational coupling, and a locking element that provides discrete locking positions, utilizing form-fitting and elastic coupling portions to eliminate the need for frictional coupling, allowing precise adjustment and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a planetary gear system with frictional coupling elements (e.g., rubber O-ring) is used to support form-fitting coupling, then the coupling accuracy between retaining elements is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the frictional coupling element (rubber O-ring) from the system, retaining only the form-fitting coupling through gear teeth engagement. This extraction eliminates the additional part while maintaining coupling accuracy through precise gear tooth geometry and fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the wear-prone frictional coupling element with a durable metal-to-metal form-fitting coupling between gear teeth. The gear teeth are designed to withstand wear through their inherent geometric engagement, eliminating the need for replaceable friction elements.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with continuous locking is implemented, then the retaining force is maintained, but the reproducibility of predefined locking positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete positioning elements (protrusions and recesses) that divide the continuous rotation into specific, reproducible positions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both reliable locking at each discrete position and reproducibility across multiple locking cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element rapidly engages with specific discrete positions through the protrusion-recess mechanism, skipping intermediate positions. This allows for quick, reproducible positioning without requiring gradual adjustment, maintaining reliability while achieving precise predefined positions.
3Ease of manufacture
If retaining pins are mounted on the surface of planetary wheels, then the radial range of movement is constrained, but the construction is simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining elements are designed to move not only radially but also axially relative to the base plate. This additional degree of freedom in the axial dimension allows the retaining elements to achieve the necessary radial range of movement while maintaining a compact planetary wheel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining elements are made dynamically adjustable through the locking mechanism, allowing their radial position to be changed as needed. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different rim sizes and requirements without being constrained by fixed mounting positions on the planetary wheels.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures accurate and efficient coupling with reduced maintenance, enabling precise positioning and adaptable fitment to various rim sizes without the need for additional frictional coupling elements, enhancing the device's reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the plurality of retaining elements comprises an elastic coupling portion, wherein the elastic coupling portion biases the corresponding coupling portions of the synchronization element and at least one of the plurality of retaining elements towards each other for ensuring the form-fitting coupling
Data Source
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AI summary
A holding device (1) for a rim of a vehicle wheel, comprising a base plate (2), a plurality of retaining elements (10), a synchronization element (30), and a locking element (20) for locking a rotational position of at least one of the plurality of retaining elements (10) or the synchronization element (30). The plurality of retaining elements (10) and the synchronization element (30) comprise corresponding coupling portions (15, 35) for form-fitting coupling of the rotational movement of the plurality of retaining elements (10) and the synchronization element (30). Any one of the synchronization element (30) or at least one of the plurality of retaining elements (10) comprises an elastic coupling portion (17), biasing the corresponding coupling portions (15, 35) of the synchronization element (30) and the retaining elements (10) towards each other for ensuring the form-fitting coupling of the synchronization element (30) and the plurality of retaining elements (10).