Annular Anchoring Structure Looping Plant Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process for managing annular anchoring structures in tire production is manual, leading to inefficiencies and complexities, particularly in the looping process, where the high adhesion of these structures complicates their movement and handling.
Innovation Solution
A method and plant design that automates the management of annular anchoring structures by using separation elements, which are moved through distinct sections for feeding, transfer, and coupling, allowing for the efficient production of looped anchoring structures, thereby improving cycle time and plant flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual management of annular anchoring structures is used, then handling flexibility is maintained, but productivity is reduced and cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
A separation element is introduced as an intermediary component between handling devices and annular anchoring structures. This separation element facilitates automated handling by providing a standardized interface, enabling grippers or clamps to securely hold and transport the anchoring structures without direct contact, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and handling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The handling system is segmented into distinct functional sections: a feeding section that supplies annular anchoring structures, a transfer section that moves them, and a coupling section that integrates them with loops. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently, improving overall productivity while maintaining operational simplicity through modular design
2Loss of time
If automated management system is implemented, then cycle time is reduced and productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a handling interface for automation, a structural support for annular anchoring structures, and a coupling mechanism for integration with loops. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving automated high-speed operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic separation elements that can be quickly coupled and decoupled from annular anchoring structures during the looping process. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different production speeds and configurations, reducing cycle time without requiring an overly complex fixed infrastructure
3Ease of operation
If separation elements are used for automated handling, then ease of operation improves and productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation elements are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be quickly replaced or reused in the looping process. Their simple design reduces the complexity of the handling system, while their functional adequacy enables high-level automation. The elements are discarded or reset after each looping cycle, maintaining simplicity without sacrificing automation capability
Data Source
AI summary
A plant (1) for looping annular anchoring structures (100) includes a looping device (2), a separation station (8a) and a coupling station (8b). A handling apparatus (3) is interlocked to the looping device (2) for managing the plant (1) by moving the plurality of annular anchoring structures (100) coupled to respective separation elements (300), the looped annular anchoring structures (200) coupled to respective separation elements (300) and the separation elements (300a). The separation elements (300) are fed, coupled to respective annular anchoring structures (100), along a feeding section (A1). The separation elements (300a) separated by respective annular anchoring structures (100, 200) are transferred from the separation station (8a) to the coupling station (8b) along a transfer section (T), stationing in at least a first intermediate station (11, 11a). The separation elements (300) are moved away, coupled to respective looped annular anchoring structures (200), along a moving-apart section (A2).