Wheel Spacer Handling Assembly for Precise Heavy Component Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of large and heavy vehicular components, such as wheel spacers/adaptors, is cumbersome and difficult due to their size and weight, particularly in mining vehicles like the Caterpillar 797 haul truck, where access is needed for maintenance or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus featuring a height-adjustable support structure with a longitudinally extendable arm assembly and rotatably connected mounting brackets, allowing for the secure installation and removal of wheel spacers/adaptors, utilizing telescoping members and linear actuators for precise movement and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling methods are used for wheel spacers/adaptors, then simplicity of operation is maintained, but handling difficulty increases due to size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
A lifting apparatus acts as an intermediary device between the heavy adaptor and operators. The apparatus includes a support structure with mounting brackets that engage the adaptor, and an arm assembly with lifting mechanism that raises and positions the adaptor. This mediator handles the heavy weight (worsening feature) while requiring only simple operational inputs from workers (improving feature).
2Strength
If heavy steel adaptors are used for wheel mounting, then structural strength is ensured, but handling difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting apparatus segments the handling task into distinct functional components: a support structure for stable base positioning, mounting brackets for secure adaptor engagement, an arm assembly for controlled movement, and a lifting mechanism for weight bearing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively solving the contradiction between maintaining strong adaptor structures and enabling easy handling.
3Ease of repair
If wheel spacers are designed for easy removal and installation, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting apparatus is designed with universal mounting brackets that can engage different adaptor configurations, and an arm assembly that can position components for various maintenance tasks. The support structure can be positioned at different locations around the wheel assembly. This multi-functionality enables easy removal and installation of wheel spacers (improving maintenance accessibility) while using a standardized apparatus design that doesn't excessively increase complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (10) for the installation/removal of a vehicular component (100), such as a wheel adaptor/spacer. The apparatus (10) includes a support structure (20) and a mounting head (40). The support structure (20) is height adjustable. The mounting head (40) includes an arm assembly (41) which is longitudinally extendable, and, which is rotatably connected to the support structure (20). Mounting brackets (48, 49) are attached to each end of the arm assembly (41) which are adapted to releasably engage the vehicular component (100).