In the automotive assembly process, a Tire and Wheel Hub Handling Manipulator is an ergonomic lifting device designed to help operators manage the heavy weight and precise alignment required to “marry” a tire to a wheel hub or mount a finished wheel onto a vehicle axle.
Key Functionalities for Assembly
Handling tires and hubs requires more than just lifting; it requires complex orientation changes to align bolt holes and valves.
1. 90°/180° Tilting: Tires often arrive horizontally on pallets but must be mounted vertically onto the assembly machine or the vehicle.
2. Continuous Rotation: The manipulator allows the operator to spin the tire around its center axis to align the wheel’s bolt holes with the studs on the hub.
3. “Soft-Touch” Positioning: High-precision pneumatic balancing allows the operator to gently “float” the wheel into place without damaging the threaded studs or scratching the rim’s finish.
Types of Manipulators in the TWA Line
A. Pneumatic Hard-Arm Manipulator
This is the most stable choice for assembly. Because the arm is rigid, it prevents the wheel from swinging.
Use Case: Precise mounting of the wheel onto the vehicle studs on the main assembly line.
Benefit: Allows the operator to “push” the wheel onto the axle with force while the machine takes 100% of the weight.
B. Electric “Smart” Baler
Uses a servo-motor and a cable or rigid rod.
Use Case: High-speed picking from pallets.
Benefit: Can be programmed with “virtual limits” to prevent the operator from accidentally hitting the vehicle or the conveyor.
C. Mobile Tire Handlers
A manipulator mounted on a battery-powered trolley.
Use Case: Offline sub-assembly or maintenance areas where overhead rails aren’t installed.
