TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter described herein, in general, relates to a coating apparatus and, in particular, relates to methods and apparatus to form a fluid coat on a wheel rim.

BACKGROUND

Ornamentation of wheel rims adds to the overall aesthetic appearance of a vehicle. There are various ways to enhance the aesthetics of the wheel rims. One method includes gluing of self-adhesive stickers over peripheral surfaces of a wheel rim. The stickers are cut in the form of arcuate strips to facilitate their gluing over the wheel rim.

In practice, these stickers are formed from a rectangular sheet of an adhesive material. This method is not only tedious but also results in wastage of the adhesive material as the sheet is not completely used In addition, use of strong adhesives makes it difficult to remove worn-out strips and, for the same reason, makes such strips non-repairable.
Moreover, applying a sticker over an already glued sticker may spoil the original aesthetics of the wheel rims. These stickers are also liable to be separated from the surfaces or curl up over a period due to exposure to inclement weather.

In some cases, transparent membranes are used to cover the self-adhesive stickers to protect them from being worn out or scraped. However, the transparent membranes increase the cost and are also known to worn out over a period of time. The transparent membranes may also get accidentally detached from the stickers, thereby again exposing the stickers, as well as the wheel rim, to the inclement weather.

SUMMARY

The subject matter described herein is directed to method(s) and apparatus to form a fluid coat on a peripheral surface of a wheel rim.

In one embodiment of the present subject matter, the apparatus includes a mounting
unit to mount the wheel rim thereon, a dispensing unit to dispense a fluid on the peripheral surface of the wheel rim, and a rotating unit to rotate either the mounting unit or the dispensing unit or both. The rotation of the mounting unit or the dispensing unit or both and simultaneous deposition of the fluid from the dispensing units results in the formation of the fluid coat on the peripheral surface.

The described methods and apparatus provide a fluid coat that enhances the aesthetics of the wheel rims. The described fluid coat is long lasting and may include various recognizable pattern. In addition, both the methods and the apparatus are time saving and simple.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

Fig, 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of an apparatus to form a fluid coat on a wheel rim, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig, 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of an apparatus to form a fluid coat on a wheel rim, according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary method to form a fluid coat on a peripheral surface of a wheel rim, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter described herein relates to methods and apparatus to form a fluid coat on a wheel rim of a vehicle, such as a two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles. According to an aspect of the present subject matter, the fluid coat is formed on a surface of the wheel rim, such as a peripheral surface of the wheel rim. The fluid coat may be formed on the wheel rim to enhance aesthetics of the vehicle.

The apparatus includes a mounting unit, a dispensing unit, and a rotating unit. The wheel rim is mounted on the mounting unit and the dispensing unit dispenses fluid on a peripheral surface of the wheel rim. The wheel rim is mounted on the mounting unit in such a way that the peripheral surface of the wheel rim is placed substantially perpendicular to a direction of deposition of the fluid. The rotating unit may rotate the mounting unit or the dispensing unit or both. The deposition of the fluid from the dispensing unit and the rotation of at least one of the units may occur simultaneously to form a fluid coat on the peripheral surface.

In one embodiment, the dispensing unit includes a container connected to a nozzle. The fluid from the container is dispensed on the peripheral surface of the wheel rim through the nozzle. In said embodiment, the fluid coat may include a single circular ring or multiple circular rings of the fluid.

In another embodiment, the dispensing unit includes a screen and a squeegee. The screen includes perforations. The perforations are distributed on the screen and may have different shapes and sizes to form desired patterns. When the screen is wiped by the squeegee, the fluid forms a desired pattern on the peripheral surface of the wheel rim.

The apparatus described herein provides a homogeneous fluid coat and is easy to use as compared to conventional techniques. In addition, the use of a fluid, such as a paint, to coat the wheel rim ensures permanence and durability of the deposited coat.

Although the present subject matter has been explained in considerable detail with respect to a rotating unit that rotates a mounting unit while dispensing unit is stationary; however, it would be appreciated that the rotating unit may rotate the dispensing unit while the mounting unit is kept stationary. Alternately, the rotating unit may rotate both the units. Thus, the rotating unit establishes a relative motion between the two units.

Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus 100 to form a fluid coat on a wheel rim 105 of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The apparatus 100 includes a mounting unit 110 to mount the wheel rim 105 thereon, a rotating unit 115 to rotate the mounting unit 110, and a dispensing unit 120 to dispense the fluid on the wheel rim 105. In one embodiment, the rotating unit 115 is coupled to the mounting unit 110 to rotate the mounting unit 110. In another embodiment, the rotating unit 115 may be coupled to the dispensing unit 120 to rotate the dispensing unit 120. In yet another embodiment, the rotating unit 115 may be coupled to both the mounting unit 110 and the dispensing unit 120 to rotate both the units 110 and 120. Additionally or alternately, separate rotating units may be provided to rotate each of the units 110 and 120.

The rotating unit 115 includes a rotating driver, for example, a motor, to establish a relative motion between the wheel rim 105 and the dispensing unit 120. In one embodiment, the dispensing unit 120 is a fluid dispenser having a nozzle 125 and a container 130 connected to the nozzle 125. The dispensing unit may be any dispensing unit known in the art, for example, an airless dispensing unit or an air assisted dispensing unit.

The dispensing unit 120 may also include a valve, such as a variable flow control valve, to vary a flow rate of the fluid and provide an opening at the nozzle 125 based on an applied fluid pressure. The dispensing unit 120 may be clamped using a clamping device 135. In an implementation, the clamping device 135 is fastened to a structural unit 140, which may be positioned on one side of a work table 145. Likewise, The mounting unit 110 and the rotating unit 115 may be placed on other side of the work table 145.

In operation, the wheel rim 105 is positioned at an angle to the dispensing unit 120 such that a peripheral surface 150 of the wheel rim 105, on which a coat is to be applied, is aligned substantially perpendicular to a direction of deposition of the fluid from the dispensing unit 120. Accordingly, the peripheral surface 150 is placed substantially horizontally and directly below the nozzle 125. The container 130 may be filled with fluids of different colors and the selection of a color may be based on a user preference. Alternatively, the container 130 may be provided with multiple compartments to accommodate fluids of different colors.

From the container 130, the fluid can be transferred to the nozzle 125 for dispensing a regulated amount of the fluid onto the peripheral surface 150 of the wheel rim 105. In one implementation, the nozzle 125 is positioned vertically and the peripheral surface 150 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the direction of the deposition of the fluid. Such a relative positioning of the nozzle 125 and the peripheral surface 150 facilitates uniform deposition of the fluid on the peripheral surface 150. To further ensure uniform deposition of the fluid coat on the peripheral surface 150, the angle at which the wheel rim. 105 is inclined may be adjusted.

The angle of inclination of the wheel rim 105 with respect to the dispensing unit 120 may be varied manually by adjusting the mounting unit 110. Alternately, the angle of inclination of the wheel rim 105 with respect to the dispensing unit 120 may be varied automatically by adjusting the mounting unit through an operating unit 155. Upon aligning the wheel rim 105, the rotating unit 115 is activated to rotate the mounting unit 110, and the dispensing unit 120 is activated to transfer the fluid onto the peripheral surface 150. The transfer of the fluid from the dispensing unit 120 and simultaneous rotation of the wheel rim 105 results in the formation of a fluid coat on the peripheral surface 150.

The functioning of the mounting unit110 the rotating unit 115, and the dispensing unit 120 may be controlled through the operating unit 155. The operating unit 155 may include a microcontroller unit, memory, a display, and various keys to operate the operating unit 155. The operating unit 155 may be used to adjust various parameters associated with the fluid coat. For example, the operating unit 155 may adjust a relative rotational speed between the wheel rim 105 and the dispensing unit 120, the fluid pressure in the dispensing unit 120 to vary a flow rate of the fluid, a time period for which the dispensing unit 120 and the rotating unit 115 remain activated, the number of rotations of the mounting unit 11 , the distance between the nozzle 125 and the peripheral surface 150, and the angle of inclination of the wheel rim.

Further, a predetermined value of one or more parameters may be stored in the operating unit 155 so that a user need not repeat manually all the adjustments for wheel rims with similar requirements. The operating unit 155 may also include indicators, such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), for displaying the state of the operations currently going on, for example, ON and OFF states.

In one embodiment, the rotating unit 115 may rotate the mounting unit 110 at a predefined constant speed and the dispensing unit 120 may dispense the fluid at a constant flow rate to ensure homogeneous deposition of the fluid on the peripheral surface 150. However, the thickness of the fluid coat can be varied by varying the relative rotational speed between the mounting unit 110 and the dispensing unit 120. The lesser the relative rotational speed, the more the fluid deposition and hence a thicker fluid coat. A user may vary the relative rotational speed by varying a speed of rotation of the mounting unit 110 or the dispensing unit 120 or both the units (110,120).

Additionally or alternately, for a predetermined relative rotational speed, the number of rotations of the wheel rim 105 or the dispensing unit 120 or both the units (110,120) may be varied. Further, the viscosity of the fluid may also be varied to vary the thickness of the fluid coat. However, the width of a fluid coat depends on the cross section of the nozzle 125; the wider the cross-section of the nozzle 125, the wider the fluid coat deposited on the peripheral surface 150.

In one implementation, the wheel rim 105 can be oriented to a different position with respect to the dispensing unit 120 in order to have a fluid coat concentric with an already formed fluid coal. Additionally or alternately, the dispensing unit 120 or both the units (110, 120) can be oriented to a different position with respect to each other to form concentric fluid coats. For example, the dispensing unit 120 may be moved radially inwards or outwards with respect to the wheel rim 105 to position the nozzle 125 directly above a portion of the peripheral surface 150 where a fresh fluid coat is intended.

Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary apparatus 200 to form a fluid coat on the wheel rim 105, according to another embodiment of the present subject matter. The apparatus 200 includes the mounting unit 110, the rotating unit 115, a dispensing unit 205, and the operating unit 155. In said embodiment, the dispensing unit 205 is a screen printing unit including a screen 210 and a squeegee 215. The screen 210 is clamped to the clamping device 135 and is placed on the peripheral surface 150 of the wheel rim 105. In one implementation, the screen 210 is in the form of a ring. The squeegee 215 may be an adjustable wiper clamped to the clamping device 135.

The squeegee 215 may include a fluid container for storing the fluid to be dispensed. The fluid container may be outside or inside of the squeegee 215. The screen 210 may be provided with multiple perforations of desired size to allow the transfer of the fluid from the screen 210 onto a surface of the wheel rim 105, such as the peripheral surface ISO. Further, the perforations may be shaped and distributed on the screen 210 to form a particular pattern based on a user preference. For example, the perforations may be arranged on the screen 210 to form a single or multiple concentric rings.

As explained above, the wheel rim 105 is placed at an angle to the dispensing unit 205 such that the peripheral surface 150 is placed perpendicular to the direction of the deposition of the fluid. In operation, the screen 210 is overlaid on the peripheral surface 150, and the fluid is forced through the perforation on the screen 210 onto the peripheral surface 150 by the squeegee 215. Generally, the screen 210 is wiped with the squeegee 215 to uniformly push the fluid through the perforations of the screen 210. A uniform distribution of the fluid through the perforations and the simultaneous rotation of the wheel rim 105 result in the formation of the fluid coat on the peripheral surface 150. The choice of various designs of the perforations enables different users to coat the wheel rim 105 based on their preferences.

In an embodiment, prior to the deposition of the fluid, a groove of suitable width and depth is created on the peripheral surface 150 of the wheel rim 105, and subsequently the fluid is deposited in the groove. The deposition of the fluid in the groove ensures permanence of the fluid deposited therein. In another embodiment, multiple concentric grooves of suitable width and depth can be formed on the peripheral surface 150.

The fluid used for forming the fluid coat may include a pigmented, viscous or semi-viscous polymer, such as paint. The fluid may also include an adhesive, such as Loctite. The fluid may also be a mixture of ingredients including resins, binders, fillers, additives, pigments, and solvents. Additionally, the fluid may also have luminescent properties so that the fluid coat may glow in dark. This may prove helpful in signaling others of the presence of a vehicle during dusk or night time hours,

The fluid coat formed upon deposition of the fluid is long lasting and does not chip or wash away easily. The coating is resistant to corrosion and other wear and tear. Further, removal of dust, mud, etc., from the fluid coated peripheral surface 150 of the wheel rim 105 is easy.

Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary method 300 to form a fluid coat on a wheel rim of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The order in which the method 300 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method, or an alternative method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.

At block 305, a wheel rim is mounted on a mounting unit, for instance, the wheel rim 105 is mounted on the mounting unit 110. The wheel rim may be aligned at an angle to a dispensing unit such that a peripheral surface, on which the fluid coat is to be formed, is placed perpendicular to a direction of deposition of a fluid from the dispensing unit, as illustrated in block 310. The alignment of the wheel rim can be adjusted by adjusting the alignment of the dispensing unit or the mounting unit or both. In addition, the alignment of the wheel rim may be adjusted manually or automatically through an operating unit, such as the operating unit 155.

In one implementation, the dispensing unit may be a fluid dispenser having a container connected to a nozzle, such as the dispensing unit 120. In another implementation, the dispensing unit may be a screen-printing unit having a screen and a squeegee, such as the dispensing unit 205. Further, the fluid in the dispensing unit can be of a desired viscosity and color based on the user preference. The viscosity of the fluid may be varied for varying the thickness of a fluid coat.

At block 315, a relative motion is established between the wheel rim and the dispensing unit. In an implementation, a rotating unit, such as the rotating unit 115, may be activated to rotate at least the mounting unit or the dispensing unit to establish a relative motion between the two units. A relative rotational speed between the mounting unit and the dispensing unit may be set using the operating unit, based on the preferences of the user.

Subsequent to activation of the rotating unit at block 315, the fluid from the dispensing unit is transferred onto the peripheral surface of the wheel rim at block 320. To transfer the fluid onto the peripheral surface, the user may activate the dispensing unit using the operating unit. Additionally, the user may set a flow rate of the fluid, the time period for which the dispensing unit remains activated, the number of rotations of the mounting unit or the dispensing unit, and other associated parameters by appropriately configuring the operating unit. In an implementation, the activation of the rotating unit and the activation of the dispensing unit to transfer the fluid may occur concurrently. In one more implementation, the transfer of the fluid from the dispensing unit occurs simultaneously with the rotation of the wheel rim to form the fluid coat on the peripheral surface.

At block 325, the wheel rim is demounted from the mounting unit. However* if the desired coating is not achieved, then one or more steps from 310 to 325 are repeated to achieve the desired fluid coat.

Further, parameters associated with the fluid coat, such as positioning of the two units and the relative speed between them, the flow rate of the fluid, or the time period for which the rotating unit remains activated, may be adjusted using the operating unit. Additionally, these- parameters may be stored in the operating unit so that the user need not repeat manually all the adjustments for wheel rims with similar requirements. Thus, the operating unit may be used to set parameters associated with the fluid coat to a predetermined value, thereby eliminating the need to set parameters repeatedly for the similar wheel rims.

In another embodiment, the method 300 may also include creating one or more groove on the peripheral surface. In said embodiment, the dispensing unit deposits the fluid in the groove.

The previously described versions of the subject matter and its equivalent thereof have many advantages. The method and apparatus as described herein are easy to implement. The use of a suitable fluid to form a fluid coat instead of conventionally used stickers ensures long lasting aesthetics. The described apparatus may employ an operating unit to facilitate automatic deposition of the fluid to form the fluid coat. The automatic deposition of the fluid provides for accurate and uniform coating. The described systems and methods are particularly useful in industries where wheel rims are coated in batches, thereby reducing the possibility of human errors and inaccuracy.

Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. As such, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiment contained therein.

I/We claim:

1. An apparatus (100,200) comprising:

a mounting unit (110) to mount a wheel rim (105);

a dispensing unit (120, 205) to dispense a fluid on a peripheral surface (150) of the wheel rim (105); and

a rotating unit (US) to rotate at least one of the mounting unit (110) and the dispensing unit (120, 205), wherein the dispensing unit (120, 205) dispenses the fluid to form a fluid coat on the peripheral surface (150).

2. The apparatus (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus (100, 200) further comprises an operating unit (155) coupled to at least one of the mounting unit (110), the dispensing unit (120, 205), and the rotating unit (115).

3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dispensing unit (120) comprises:

a container (135) having the fluid; and

a nozzle (130) connected to the container to dispense the fluid on the peripheral surface (150).

4. The apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dispensing unit (205) comprises:

a screen (210) having a plurality of perforations; and

a squeegee (215) coupled to the screen (210) to dispense the fluid on the peripheral surface (150).

5. The apparatus (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dispensing unit (120, 205) dispenses the fluid on at least one groove provided on the peripheral surface (150).

6. A method comprising

aligning a wheel rim (105) at an angle to a dispensing unit (120, 20S) such that a peripheral surface (150) of the wheel rim (105) is placed substantially perpendicular to a direction of deposition of a fluid from the dispensing unit (120, 205);

providing a relative motion between the wheel rim (105) and the dispensing unit (120, 205); and

transferring a fluid from the dispensing unit (120, 205) on the peripheral surface (150) to form a fluid coat on the peripheral surface (150).

7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the method further comprises providing at least one groove on the peripheral surface (150),

8. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the method further comprises setting parameters associated with the fluid coat to a predetermined value using an operating unit (155).

9. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the transferring further comprises:

dispensing the fluid onto a screen (210) of the dispensing unit(205); and

wiping the screen with a squeegee (215) of the dispensing unit (205) to deposit the fluid onto the peripheral surface (150).

10. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the transferring further comprises providing the fluid from a container (135) of the dispensing unit (120) to a nozzle (130) of the dispensing unit (120) to deposit the fluid onto the peripheral surface (150).