Remote Wheel Stud Clamp for Safe Heavy Wheel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for removing and installing large vehicle wheels are unsafe and difficult due to the heavy weight and size of the wheels, which require manual manipulation and mechanical lifting assistance, often in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operable clamp device that grips a stud of a wheel mounting assembly, comprising a gripping mechanism, an actuating link, an actuator assembly, and an attachment mechanism, allowing for safe and efficient removal and installation of large vehicle wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tire manipulator is used to hold the wheel during lug nut removal/installation, then the wheel is prevented from tipping over and injuring the technician, but the manipulator occupies the work area and creates a safety hazard to the technician
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wheel-holding function from the tire manipulator and transfers it to a clamp device that attaches directly to the wheel. The clamp device with gripping jaws engages the wheel rim, removing the need for the manipulator to occupy the work area, thereby eliminating the safety hazard while maintaining wheel stability during lug nut operations
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp device serves as an intermediary between the wheel and the technician's work area. By attaching the clamp to the wheel and using it to hold the wheel steady, the device mediates the interaction between the wheel and technician, allowing safe lug nut removal/installation without the manipulator blocking the work space
2Ease of operation
If mechanical lifting assistance is used to handle heavy wheels, then the difficulty of maneuvering wheels is reduced, but it remains dangerous to maneuver wheels into proper alignment with hubs and lugs
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp device is attached to the wheel before the wheel is maneuvered into position. This preliminary action secures the wheel, allowing the technician to safely guide it into proper alignment with the hub and lugs without the wheel tipping or shifting unexpectedly, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving safety
3Device complexity
If manual manipulation methods are used for heavy wheels, then equipment complexity is reduced, but the ability to safely control and position the wheel is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel control function is segmented into two independent components: the clamp device for securing the wheel to the hub, and the manipulator for positioning the wheel assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably without requiring complex integration, maintaining equipment simplicity while improving overall wheel control
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides clamp devices that may be operated remotely to facilitate the installation, removal and other handling of wheels and tires for large vehicles. The clamp devices generally include an attachment mechanism, a gripping mechanism, an actuating link operable to move the gripping mechanism between an open and closed position, and an actuator to activate the actuating link.