Wireless Locking Device for Wheel Service Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel service machines face challenges with manual locking devices that are time-consuming, require high user force, and pose safety risks, while motor-driven devices are heavy, unreliable, and unsuitable for balancing machines due to poor visibility and balance issues.
Innovation Solution
A wheel service machine with a wireless control signal-based locking device that allows for quick and reliable locking of wheels to a rotary shaft, using a contact element and fastening mechanism actuated by a user-controlled emitter and receiver, eliminating the need for a control pedal and enhancing safety and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a manual locking device is used, then the device is simple and lightweight, but the locking time increases and user force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical threaded locking system with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic coupling device uses magnetic attraction forces to secure the wheel to the supporting shaft, eliminating the need for manual threading operations. This substitution dramatically reduces locking time while maintaining device simplicity and avoiding the complexity of motor-driven systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling system provides automatic locking through magnetic attraction when the wheel is positioned on the shaft. The system self-regulates the locking force through the inherent magnetic field strength, eliminating the need for users to apply significant force to tighten threaded elements, thus reducing both locking time and user effort.
2Speed
If a motor-driven locking device is used, then locking speed increases, but the device weight increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motor-driven mechanical actuation with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic coupling device uses electromagnetic principles to generate holding forces without requiring motors, batteries, or complex actuation mechanisms. This eliminates the weight associated with motor components while achieving rapid locking through magnetic attraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the actuation function from the locking device itself, placing the magnetic coupling mechanism on the supporting shaft instead. This separation allows the locking device to remain lightweight and simple while the shaft provides the magnetic holding force, eliminating the need for integrated motors and power systems.
3Speed
If a motor-driven locking device is used, then locking speed increases, but reliability decreases due to battery issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces battery-powered motor actuation with a passive magnetic coupling system. The magnetic field is generated by permanent magnets or electromagnets powered through the shaft's electrical system, eliminating batteries and their associated reliability issues. The magnetic coupling provides consistent, reliable holding force without the risks of battery depletion or motor failure.
4Ease of operation
If a control pedal is used for actuation, then the device can be actuated remotely, but visibility is obstructed and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the actuation interface from a ground-level pedal to the vertical dimension of the locking device itself. The actuator is integrated into the locking device housing at eye level, allowing users to operate it while standing and viewing the wheel directly. This dimensional change in actuator placement eliminates visibility obstructions while maintaining ease of operation.
5Device complexity
If manual locking is used, then the device is simple, but safety problems arise due to insufficient clamping force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical threading with a magnetic coupling system that provides superior holding force through magnetic attraction. The magnetic field generates consistent, reliable clamping force that exceeds what can be achieved manually, ensuring wheel security without requiring complex multi-component mechanical systems. The magnetic coupling inherently maintains constant pressure on the wheel.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a wheel service machine (1) comprising: a shaft (3) rotating about a relative longitudinal axis (A), and a contact element (4), connected to the shaft (3) for rotating integrally with it and designed to make contact with the rim (2a) supported by the shaft (3); a locking device (5), which can be removably coupled to the shaft (3) and designed to slide relative to the shaft (3) along the longitudinal axis (A) and lock the rim (2a) interposed between the contact element (4) and the locking device (5); a fastening element (6) movably connected to the shaft (3) for moving parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) and designed for coupling with the locking device (5), for pulling it in movement; actuator (7) positioned on the machine and connected to the fastening element (6), wherein the locking device (5) comprises an emitter (8) designed for generating a wireless control signal, received by a wireless signal receiver (9) connected to the actuator (7), activates them for moving the locking device (5).