Adjustable Circumference Tire Drum with Segmented Radial Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire-making equipment designs struggle to expand or contract their circumferential surfaces over a broad range without compromising the uniformity of the surface, leading to inaccuracies in tire components.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a frame with radially movable multi-sectional segments, including primary and secondary sections connected via a rack and gear assembly, allowing for controlled adjustment of the drum's diameter while maintaining the roundness of the circumferential surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-sectional segments are used for expansion and contraction, then the equipment can accommodate different diameters, but the uniformity of the circumferential surface is sacrificed leading to inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into multiple radially movable segments that can independently adjust their positions. Each segment includes primary and secondary sections that move relative to one another, allowing the overall circumference to expand and contract while each segment maintains its structural integrity and contributes to surface uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The segments are designed to be radially movable rather than fixed, enabling dynamic adjustment of the drum diameter. The connection between primary and secondary sections allows for controlled movement that adapts the circumference to different diameters while preserving surface uniformity through coordinated segment motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the circumferential surface expands and contracts over a broad range, then different tire sizes can be accommodated, but bumps or non-rounded regions form on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the circumferential surface into multiple segments, the apparatus can adjust its diameter in a controlled manner. Each segment's independent movement capability allows for smooth transitions during expansion and contraction, preventing the formation of bumps or non-rounded regions that would compromise tire accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic radial movement of segments enables the apparatus to smoothly transition between different circumferential dimensions. This controlled motion ensures that the circumferential surface maintains its roundness and uniformity across the entire range of motion, accommodating various tire sizes without creating surface irregularities.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional spacers or process interruptions are introduced to maintain uniformity, then surface accuracy is preserved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic segment adjustment mechanism eliminates the need for static spacers or process interruptions. The segments continuously adapt their positions to maintain surface uniformity throughout the expansion and contraction process, ensuring component accuracy is preserved while the process runs continuously without interruptions, thereby maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Tire-making apparatus (20) defining an outer or inner circumference (18) to serve as a forming surface or as a circumference-engaging surface, respectively, utilizes a frame (16) having a central axis (52) and a plurality of multi-sectional segments (28) which are moveable radially with respect to the central axis and include arcuate surfaces which collectively define the apparatus circumference. Each segment includes a primary section (60) and a secondary section (62) which flanks the primary section. The primary and secondary sections are connected so that as the segments are moved radially of the central axis, the primary and secondary sections move relative to one another along the circumference of the apparatus to help maintain the uniformity, or roundness, of the surface of the circumference collectively defined by the segments.