Method for preparing a pneumatic element in a connected system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a tire element in a connected system, the connected system comprising a database and n processing units X(i), with i = 1…n and n ≥ 3, the n units being interconnected by a network, and each designed to perform one or more tire preparation steps. The present invention further relates to a system for implementing said method for preparing a tire element and to a tire element that can be obtained or obtained by said method. Figure to be published with the abstract: [Fig 3]

Description

Title of the invention: Method for preparing a pneumatic element in a connected system

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for preparing a tire element P in a connected system, the connected system comprising a database and n processing units X(i), with i = 1...n and n > 3, the n units being interconnected by a network, and each designed to perform one or more tire preparation steps. The present invention further relates to a system for implementing said method for preparing a tire element and to a tire element that can be obtained or obtained by said method.

[0002] In the tire industry, it is important to respond as effectively and quickly as possible to the needs of automotive manufacturers, particularly with regard to the transition to electric vehicles. Furthermore, optimizing processes to minimize waste and increase productivity is crucial in the highly competitive tire sector. Therefore, developing new tire preparation methods is essential to adapt to evolving needs and the latest regulations. While various methods have been developed in recent years, there remains a need to develop new ones, especially for optimizing manufacturing steps, improving tire quality, and reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0003] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to develop a process for the preparation of a tire element enabling the preparation of improved tires and the optimization of manufacturing steps allowing, among other things, the reduction of waste and / or the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, while being profitable.

[0004] Thus, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a tire element P in a connected system, the connected system comprising a database and n processing units X(i), with i = 1...n and with n > 3, the n units being connected to each other by a network, and each designed to perform one or more tire preparation steps comprising at least one of a mixing step, an assembly step, a testing step, and a vulcanization step, said method comprising:

[0005] (i) for each processing unit X(i) with i= 1.. ,nl,

[0006] - determine the treatment to be carried out in the processing unit X(i) to obtain a element E(i) of the tire P using the database;

[0007] - perform the processing in the processing unit X(i), obtaining the element E(i) of the pneumatic P;

[0008] - communicate to the processing unit X(i+1), and optionally to the unit of treatment X(i) if applicable, the necessary information on the treatment carried out in treatment unit X(i) and / or on E(i) before starting treatment in treatment unit X(i+1);

[0009] - move the element E(i) from X(i) to X(i+1); and

[0010] (ii) for the processing unit X(n),

[0011] - determine the treatment to be carried out in the processing unit X(n) to obtain a element E(n) of the tire P using the database;

[0012] - perform the processing in the processing unit X(n), obtaining the element E(n) of the pneumatic P;

[0013] - communicate to one or more of the processing units X(i), with i = 1...n-1, the or the necessary information on the treatment carried out in the treatment unit X(n) and / or on E(n).

[0014] Indeed, the process of the present invention makes it possible to prepare a tire element, preferably a tire, in an optimized way at the level of each processing unit and for each tire element, unlike current processes which are based largely only on empirical calculations per production batch.

[0015] Preferably determine the processing to be carried out in the processing unit X(i), with i = 1...n, to obtain an element E(i) of the tire P using the database comprising:

[0016] - collect data on the processing in the processing unit X(i);

[0017] - data analysis;

[0018] - identify the actions to be performed for the processing in X(i), the actions to be performed including, if necessary, a change in operation compared to the last use of the processing unit X(i).

[0019] Preferably determine the processing to be carried out in the processing unit X(i), with i = 1...n, to obtain an element E(i) of the tire P using the database comprising:

[0020] - collect data on the processing in the processing unit X(i);

[0021] - data analysis;

[0022] - identify the actions to be performed for the processing in X(i), the actions to be performed including, if necessary, a change in operation compared to the last use of the processing unit X(i); and

[0023] - optionally identify the actions to be performed for processing in X(i+1), the actions to be carried out including, if necessary, a change of operation compared to the last use of the processing unit X(i+1).

[0024] This allows the operation of the next unit to be optimized based on the existing data of that unit and / or the result of the previous unit.

[0025] Preferably the data analysis is done in real time, more preferably the analysis is repeated after each processing cycle for a given processing unit X(i).

[0026] The data collected on the processing in the processing unit X(i) include for example one or more images, processing conditions such as temperature, pressure, duration, dimension, and / or one or more physical and / or chemical parameters of a tire element.

[0027] Each treatment cycle preferably has a duration in the range of 1 second to 2 minutes.

[0028] Preferably the process of the present invention includes the use of one or more digital twins.

[0029] Preferably, one or more digital twins are based on digital tire design data, data collected via the Internet of Things, and a human-machine interface that correlates and presents the data to facilitate decision-making. Preferably, the decision-making process is automated.

[0030] In the context of the present invention, the term "digital twin" refers to a virtual representation of a product / object (e.g., a processing unit, a tire component, a factory) or a process that makes it possible to understand and predict its physical equivalents in order to improve an object or a method.

[0031] Preferably each processing unit X(i), with i= 1.. .n, and / or each element E(i), with i= 1.. .n, has a digital twin, more preferably at least each processing unit X(i) has a digital twin.

[0032] Preferably the connected system, comprising the n processing units X(i), with i = 1...n, has a digital twin. This is illustrated in [Fig. 3], which represents having multilevel digital twins.

[0033] Preferably the connected system further comprises a computing means, more preferably a processor, a communication interface, a plurality of sensors, one or more local storage spaces including the database, and a power source.

[0034] In the context of the present invention, the processor coordinates and can control the system components. The processor can read and / or write Computer program instructions and data to or from one or more storage locations. The processor may include a microprocessor.

[0035] Preferably the energy source includes a renewable energy source.

[0036] Preferably the connected system is associated with an online storage space (a “cloud”) itself connected to a computing means, preferably a processor.

[0037] In the context of the present invention, one or more local storage spaces enable the deployment of "edge computing," which is the link between processing units and online storage (the "cloud"). Edge computing can collect, analyze, and synchronize data, and make local decisions regarding processing and storage before sending only the relevant data to the cloud for more complex computing operations.

[0038] Indeed, a thorough analysis of the data is performed in the online storage space and its computing resources, e.g., the processor, and includes updating the calculations and / or algorithms which are then transmitted to the local storage space of the connected system (Edge computing) to finally communicate with the processing units. The local storage space can also communicate with one or more human operators if necessary.

[0039] Preferably the database of the connected system includes data generated by one or more processing units for the preparation of a tire element and / or data obtained by one or more tire preparation plants.

[0040] Preferably the data generated by one or more processing units for the preparation of a tire element are data obtained during the preparation of a tire element including preparation steps such as for example a mixing step, an assembly step, and a vulcanization step but also a testing step.

[0041] Preferably the database of the connected system is constantly updated.

[0042] Preferably each of the n treatment units X(i), with i= 1.. .n refers to a particular treatment and is different from the other treatment units.

[0043] Preferably in addition to the mixing step, the assembly step, and / or the vulcanization step, the test step is carried out in X(i), with i= 1.. .n.

[0044] Preferably at least one of the pneumatic elements E(i), with i= 1... n, comprises an identification means, this means being more preferably a label, more preferably a label with a barcode, or a label with a QR code, or a radio tag (in English “RFID tag”).

[0045] Preferably, the barcode, QR code, or radio tag is unique for each tire component. This allows the tire component to be identified. and to determine the treatment conditions on an individual basis and no longer just by batch.

[0046] Preferably the preparation of the element E(i), with i=l.. .n, of pneumatic is automated.

[0047] Preferably the processing to be carried out in the processing unit X(i), with x= 1.. .n, is automated.

[0048] Preferably the network is an internal network. The internal network may be of the intranet type.

[0049] Preferably the n units are digitally connected to each other.

[0050] Preferably E(n) is a vulcanized tire.

[0051] Preferably moving the element E(i) from X(i) to X(i+1) includes moving the element E(i) from X(i) with one or more means of movement, preferably being one or more of a robotic arm, a trolley and a conveyor belt.

[0052] Preferably one or more means of movement (of element E(i)) are digitally connected to one or more of the n processing units X(i), with i= 1.. .n.

[0053] Preferably the trolley is identifiable by a label, more preferably a label with a barcode, or a label with a QR code, or a radio tag (in English “RFID tag”).

[0054] The present invention further relates to a tire element, preferably a tire, which can be obtained or obtained according to the process of the present invention.

[0055] The present invention further relates to a connected system, preferably a connected factory, for implementing the process for preparing a tire element P according to the present invention, said connected system comprising

[0056] - a database; and

[0057] - n processing units X(i), with i = 1...n and with n > 3, the n units being connected linked to each other by a network, and each designed to perform one or more tire preparation steps including at least one of a mixing step, an assembly step, a testing step, and a vulcanization step.

[0058] Preferably the system further comprises a processor, a communication interface, a plurality of sensors, one or more local storage spaces including the database, and a power source.

[0059] Preferably the energy source includes a renewable energy source.

[0060] Preferably the connected system is associated with an online storage space (a “cloud”) itself connected to a computing means, more preferably a processor.

[0061] Preferably, the database of the connected system includes data generated by one or more processing units for the preparation of an element of tires and / or data obtained by one or more tire preparation plants.

[0062] Preferably the system further comprises several means of movement, more preferably being one or more robotic arms, one or more trolleys and / or one or more conveyor belts.

[0063] The present invention is further illustrated by the following set of embodiments and combinations of embodiments resulting from dependencies and back references as indicated. In particular, it should be noted that in each case where a range of embodiments is mentioned, for example in the context of a term such as "The process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3", each embodiment in that range is intended to be explicitly disclosed to the person skilled in the art, i.e., the formulation of that term should be understood by the person skilled in the art as being synonymous with "the process according to any one of embodiments 1, 2 and 3".Furthermore, it is explicitly noted that the following set of embodiments represents a suitably structured part of the general description directed towards preferred aspects of the present invention and, consequently, appropriately supports, but does not represent, the claims of the present invention.

[0064] According to embodiment 1 of the present invention, a method for preparing a tire element P in a connected system, the connected system comprising a database and n processing units X(i), with i = 1...n and with n > 3, the n units being connected to each other by a network, and each designed to perform one or more tire preparation steps comprising at least one of a mixing step, an assembly step, a testing step, and a vulcanization step, said method comprising:

[0065] (i) for each processing unit X(i) with i= 1.. ,nl,

[0066] - determine the treatment to be carried out in the processing unit X(i) to obtain a element E(i) of the tire P using the database;

[0067] - perform the processing in the processing unit X(i), obtaining the element E(i) of the pneumatic P;

[0068] - communicate to the processing unit X(i+1), and optionally to the unit of treatment X(i) if applicable, the necessary information on the treatment carried out in treatment unit X(i) and / or on E(i) before starting treatment in treatment unit X(i+1);

[0069] - move the element E(i) from X(i) to X(i+1); and

[0070] (ii) for the processing unit X(n),

[0071] - determine the treatment to be carried out in the processing unit X(n) to obtain a element E(n) of the tire P using the database;

[0072] - perform the processing in the processing unit X(n), obtaining the element E(n) of the pneumatic P;

[0073] - communicate to one or more of the processing units X(i), with i = 1...n-1, the or the necessary information on the treatment carried out in the treatment unit X(n) and / or on E(n).

[0074] Embodiment 2: The method according to embodiment 1, in which determining the treatment to be carried out in the processing unit X(i), with i = 1...n, to obtain an element E(i) of the tire P using the database, comprises:

[0075] - collect data on the processing in the processing unit X(i);

[0076] - data analysis;

[0077] - identify the actions to be performed for the processing in X(i), the actions to be performed including, if necessary, a change in operation compared to the last use of the processing unit X(i).

[0078] Embodiment 3: the method according to embodiment 2, in which the data analysis is done in real time, preferably the analysis is repeated after each processing cycle for a given processing unit X(i).

[0079] Embodiment 4: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3 includes the use of one or more digital twins.

[0080] Embodiment 5: the process according to embodiment 4, in which each processing unit X(i), with i= 1.. .n, and / or each element E(i), with i= 1.. .n, has a digital twin, preferably at least each processing unit X(i) has a digital twin.

[0081] Embodiment 6: the method according to embodiment 4 or 5, in which the connected system, comprising the n processing units X(i), with i= 1.. .n, has a digital twin.

[0082] Embodiment 7: the method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, in which the connected system further comprises a processor, a communication interface, a plurality of sensors, one or more local storage spaces including the database, and a power source.

[0083] Embodiment 8: the method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, in which the connected system is associated with an online storage space (a "cloud") itself connected to a computing means, preferably a processor.

[0084] Embodiment 9: the method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, in which the database of the connected system includes data generated by one or more processing units for the preparation of a tire element and / or data obtained by one or more tire preparation plants.

[0085] Embodiment 10: the process according to any one of the embodiments 1 to 9, in which each of the n processing units X(i), with i= 1.. .n refers to a particular processing and is different from the other processing units.

[0086] Embodiment 11: the method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, in which the preparation of a tire element is automated.

[0087] Embodiment 12: the method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein moving the element E(i) from X(i) to X(i+1) includes moving the element E(i) from X(i) with one or more means of movement, preferably being one or more of a robotic arm, a trolley and a conveyor belt.

[0088] Embodiment 13: tire element, preferably a tire, which can be obtained or obtained according to the process of any of embodiments 1 to 12.

[0089] Embodiment 14: a connected system, preferably a connected factory, for implementing the process for preparing a tire element P according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, said connected system comprising

[0090] - a database; and

[0091] - n processing units X(i), with i = 1...n and with n > 3, the n units being connected connected to each other by a network, and each designed to perform one or more tire preparation steps, including at least one of a mixing step, an assembly step, a testing step, and a vulcanization step. Description of figures

[0092] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the connected system according to embodiments of the present invention and used in the process according to embodiments of the present invention. The process according to embodiments of the present invention makes it possible to gather information about the process, to direct the process, and to make decisions for each tire element and each processing unit (and no longer by batch as is currently the case). The present process for preparing a tire element thus makes it possible to prepare improved tires while limiting waste and being cost-effective.

[0093] X(i) = Processing Units

[0094] OP(s) = The operators

[0095] P & I = Processor and communication interface

[0096] ES = Storage space (local) including the database - Edge computing

[0097] ESL = Online storage space (the cloud)

[0098] 1= Process control analysis

[0099] 2 = One or more digital twins present at 2 levels - at the units level processing and at the plant level - see also [Fig.3].

[0100] 3= Quality control analysis

[0101] 4= Performance analysis of the connected system (i.e., the factory)

[0102] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the connected system according to embodiments of the present invention and used in the process according to embodiments of the present invention. In particular, the use of digital twins and the communication between the processing units as well as with the local storage space (edge ​​computing concept) are illustrated therein.

[0103] SC = Connected system (e.g., a factory)

[0104] X(i) = Processing Units

[0105] JN(X(i)) = Digital twins of units X(i)

[0106] E(i) = Pneumatic element

[0107] ES = Storage space including the database - Edge computing - this space is preferably linked to a communication interface and a processor (see [Fig.1])

[0108] Solid line = Direction of production

[0109] Dashed line = Communication between units of the connected system

[0110] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the use of digital twins in the connected system of the present invention and used in the process according to the present invention. This representation illustrates the two levels of information available thanks to the digital twins, namely at the level of the processing units X(i), preferably of each processing unit (level 1), and at the plant level (level 2). Thus, through this use, it is possible to connect everything, from raw materials to the vulcanized tire, for better optimization of the steps and improved quality of the tire components.

[0111] RM = raw materials

[0112] U = Connected Factory

[0113] JN(X(i)) = Digital twin of X(i)

[0114] JN(U) = Digital Twin of Plant U

[0115] In = Variables

[0116] Y = function of one or more variables

[0117] InU = Variables obtained and selected from the data collected for each unit X(i) using JN(X(i).

Claims

Demands

1. A method for preparing a tire element P in a connected system, the connected system comprising a database and n processing units X(i), with i = 1...n and with n > 3, the n units being connected to each other by a network, and each designed to perform one or more tire preparation steps comprising at least one of a mixing step, an assembly step, a testing step, and a vulcanizing step, said method comprising: (i) for each processing unit X(i) with i = 1...(i) for n-1, - determine the processing to be carried out in the processing unit X(i) to obtain an element E(i) of the tire P using the database; - carry out the processing in the processing unit X(i), obtaining the element E(i) of the tire P; - communicate to the processing unit X(i+1), and optionally to the processing unit X(i+1) if applicable, the necessary information about the processing carried out in the processing unit X(i) and / or about E(i) before starting the processing in the processing unit X(i+1); - move the element E(i) from X(i) to X(i+1); and (ii) for the processing unit X(n), - determine the processing to be carried out in the processing unit X(n) to obtain an element E(n) of the tire P using the database; - carry out the processing in the processing unit X(n), obtaining the element E(n) of the tire P; - communicate to one or more of the processing units X(i), with i= 1.. .n-1, the necessary information on the treatment carried out in the treatment unit X(n) and / or on E(n).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the treatment to be carried out in the processing unit X(i), with i= 1.. .n, to obtain an element E(i) of the tire P using the database comprises: - collecting data on the treatment in the processing unit X(i); - analyzing the data; - identify the actions to be performed for the processing in X(i), the actions to be performed including, if necessary, a change of operation compared to the last use of the processing unit X(i).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the data analysis is done in real time, preferably the analysis is repeated after each processing cycle for a given processing unit X(i).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 comprises the use of one or more digital twins.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein each processing unit X(i), with i= 1.. .n, and / or each element E(i), with i= 1... n, has a digital twin, preferably at least each processing unit X(i) has a digital twin.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the connected system, comprising the n processing units X(i), with i= 1.. .n, has a digital twin.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connected system further comprises a processor, a communication interface, a plurality of sensors, one or more local storage spaces comprising the database, and a power source.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connected system is associated with an online storage space itself connected to a computing means, preferably a processor.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the database of the connected system includes data generated by one or more processing units for the preparation of a tire element and / or data obtained by one or more tire preparation plants.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the n processing units X(i), with i= 1.. .n refers to a particular processing and is different from the other processing units.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the preparation of a tire element is automated.

12. A tire component, preferably a tire, which can be obtained or obtained according to the process of any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A connected system, preferably a connected factory, for implementing the process for preparing a tire element P according to any one of claims 1 to 11, said connected system comprising - a database; and - n processing units X(i), with i= 1.. .n and with n>3, the n units being connected to each other by a network, and each designed to perform one or more tire preparation steps comprising at least one of a mixing step, an assembly step, a testing step, and a vulcanizing step.

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