Weight Applicator for Wheel Balancing Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire-wheel assembly processing methods require significant capital investment and human oversight, lacking efficiency and automation.
Innovation Solution
A robotic device with a weight applicator system that automates the process of attaching weights to the wheel, utilizing a radial plunger and flange mechanism with adhesive surfaces, and includes sub-stations for lubrication, mounting, balancing, and inflation, enabling automated assembly and balancing of tire-wheel assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional methodologies are used for tire-wheel assembly processing, then human oversight and capital investment are required, but efficiency and automation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The weight applicator is designed to automatically detect wheel parameters, apply adhesive, position weights, and verify balance without human intervention. The system performs self-service functions including automated weight selection, application force control, and balance verification, eliminating the need for human operators while maintaining precise control over the balancing process
Solution Approach 2:
The weight applicator integrates multiple functions into a single automated device: it detects wheel parameters, applies adhesive to the weight, positions the weight on the wheel, compresses it for bonding, and verifies balance. This multi-functional integration achieves high automation while managing device complexity through consolidated operations
2Productivity
If automated robotic device is implemented, then efficiency and accuracy are improved, but capital investment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is divided into distinct functional modules: detection module for wheel parameters, adhesive application module, weight positioning module, compression module, and verification module. This segmentation allows for efficient automated operation while enabling modular implementation that can be staged according to capital availability
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated robotic control systems that detect wheel parameters, control adhesive application, position weights with precision, and verify balance. This substitution improves efficiency and accuracy while the modular nature of the replacement systems helps manage capital investment
3Manufacturing precision
If manual weight attachment is performed, then capital investment is reduced, but manufacturing precision and balancing accuracy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates verification that detects wheel parameters and balance status, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism ensures precise weight positioning and compression force application, achieving high balancing accuracy while the automated feedback loop eliminates the need for complex manual measurement and adjustment procedures
4Reliability
If adhesive application is automated, then consistency and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies adhesive to the weight before positioning it on the wheel, ensuring consistent adhesive distribution and proper bonding preparation. This preliminary action improves bonding reliability by controlling adhesive application conditions, while the automated sequence management keeps the overall device complexity manageable through standardized操作流程
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 reduces the need for human oversight and capital investment by automating the tire-wheel assembly process, improving efficiency and accuracy through robotic manipulation and adhesive application, ensuring precise balancing and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive surface for attaching the weight to the wheel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3A
Figure 2B~3B
AI summary
A weight applicator (10, 100, 200) for a wheel (W) of a tire-wheel assembly (TW) is disclosed. The weight applicator (10, 100, 200) includes an arm portion (12) and an applicator portion (14, 202) connected to the arm portion (12). The applicator portion (14, 202) includes a radially-extending flange portion (16). The radially-extending flange portion (16) is connected to the arm portion (12). A first plunger portion (18, 18a, 18b) is movably- connected to the radially-extending flange portion (16) by one or more first radial arms (28). A method is also disclosed.