Wheel Weight Assembly with Pivoting Hook Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel weight assemblies for work vehicles are difficult and time-consuming to mount and remove due to the need for careful alignment and handling of heavy weights with long bolts, which complicates the installation and removal process.
Innovation Solution
A wheel weight assembly featuring a mounting assembly with a hook and rotator mechanism that pivots from a non-engaged to an engaged position with the wheel hub, allowing for easy and secure mounting and removal without the need for adapter plates, enabling direct attachment to the wheel hub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If long bolts are used to extend outwardly from the vehicle for mounting wheel weights, then the wheel weight can be mounted to the vehicle, but the mounting process becomes time-consuming and difficult due to the need for careful lifting, holding, and alignment of heavy weights
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is divided into separate functional components: a hook portion for engagement with the wheel hub, a rotator mechanism for positioning, and a mounting fastener for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, eliminating the need for manual alignment of heavy weights with long bolts.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly acts as an intermediary device between the wheel weight and the wheel hub. Instead of directly attaching the heavy wheel weight to long bolts, the mounting assembly with its hook and rotator mechanism facilitates the connection, reducing the manual handling and alignment requirements.
2Reliability
If long bolts are used to extend outwardly from the vehicle for mounting wheel weights, then the wheel weight can be mounted to the vehicle, but the removal process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly incorporates a rotator mechanism that allows the hook to be dynamically repositioned between an engaged position (for mounting) and a disengaged position (for removal). This dynamic capability enables quick transition between mounting and removal operations, significantly improving removal efficiency compared to static long bolt configurations.
3Reliability
If adapter plates are positioned between the wheel weight and the wheel hub for mounting, then the wheel weight can be secured to the vehicle, but the complexity of the mounting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly combines the functions of the hook, rotator mechanism, and mounting fastener into a single integrated unit that attaches directly to the wheel hub. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate adapter plates and reduces the overall complexity of the mounting system while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly serves multiple functions: the hook engages with the wheel hub, the rotator positions the hook, and the mounting fastener secures the assembly. This multi-functionality within a single device eliminates the need for separate adapter plates and simplifies the overall mounting system.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel weight assembly for a vehicle that has a wheel hub. The wheel weight assembly includes a wheel weight and a mounting assembly. The wheel weight includes a mounting aperture that defines a fixed axis. The mounting assembly is positioned in the mounting apertures and pivots relative thereto. The mounting assembly includes a hook and a rotator. The hook is positioned laterally inboard of the wheel hub, while the rotator is positioned laterally outboard of the wheel weight and is coupled to the hook. The rotator is configured to rotate the hook from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the hook not engaged with the wheel hub, but in the second position, the hook is engaged with the wheel hub.