System to dynamically change end of arm tooling for tire assembly
AssigneeInternational Wheel & Tire Company
InventorsHarsh Suresh Shah, Raymond Richard Risley, III, Todd Allen Campbell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A weight apply system capable of changing tooling to apply weights to an assembly to correct unbalance. It may include a selectively movable arm, at least one weight apply tool, the ability to change the tooling based on assembly type, and a controller configured to manage the selection of the tool, loading the weight, and application of the weight to the assembly in station.
Claims12
A robotic weight apply system of a tire & wheel assembly system configured to apply weights to a tire assembly, comprising:
- a selectively movable arm;
- a plurality of weight apply tools and
- at least one nest configured to maintain the plurality of weight apply tools during non-use;
- a controller configured to:
- select the at least one weight apply tool from the plurality of weight apply tools based on the tire assembly and instruct the arm to couple with the tool;
- and
- instruct the arm to move the nest to couple with the selected one of the plurality of weight apply tools arranged in the nest.
A method for a system to select a tool for weight apply, comprising:
- receiving tire assembly data identifying the tire assembly;
- selecting a tool needed to apply weight to the tire assembly;
- instructing a mechanical system to couple to the determined tool arranged within a cell of the mechanical system;
- and
- controlling the system to apply the determined tool to the assembly;
- wherein the applying the selected tool includes at least one of wiping the assembly, greasing the assembly, cleaning the assembly, and applying the weights to the assembly.
A mechanical system designed to apply weight to an assembly, comprising:
- a controller configured to provide instructions to a weight apply mechanical system, including:
- receiving assembly data indicating at least one tire assembly type;
- selecting one of a plurality of end-of-arm tools based on the tire assembly type;
- instructing a mechanical system to move to the nest to couple to the selected end-of-arm tool;
- and
- instructing the mechanical system to apply weights via the end-of-arm tool to the assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.