Automated Apex Core Separation Using Self-Aligning Grippers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual separation of apex cores from separators in pneumatic tire production is labor-intensive due to strong adhesion, especially for curved cores, and existing automated methods are complex and require precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for automated separation involving vertically stacked apex cores on separators with centrally arranged recesses, using gripping jaws with movable fingers that create a non-positive contact to overcome adhesion, allowing for axial movement to separate the cores and separators without additional actuators, and a simple gripping system design for efficient handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual separation method is used, then separation can be performed, but personnel intervention is required and labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separator serves itself by providing a recess that automatically guides and centers the gripping device during approach, eliminating the need for external alignment mechanisms or personnel intervention. The gripping device simply moves toward the separator, and the recess ensures proper positioning automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The centrally arranged recess acts as an intermediary feature between the separator and the gripping device. It mediates the alignment process by providing a physical guide that ensures the gripping jaws engage correctly with the separator without requiring complex alignment mechanisms.
2Extent of automation
If existing automated gripping methods are used, then automation is achieved, but complex alignment and rotational positioning are required
Solution Approach 1:
The separator automatically performs the alignment function through its centrally arranged recess. When the gripping device approaches the separator, the recess guides the gripping jaws into the correct position, eliminating the need for complex external alignment mechanisms or rotational positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanisms to align the gripping device with the separator, the solution inverts the approach: the separator itself provides the alignment feature (recess) that guides the gripping device. This simplifies the gripping device design while maintaining automated operation.
3Strength
If strong adhesion between apex cores and separators occurs, then secure holding is achieved, but separation force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping fingers are extracted from the gripping jaws and mounted movably on the jaws. This allows the fingers to be moved independently against a counterforce to create a non-positive contact with the separator, reducing the separation force requirement while maintaining secure holding during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping fingers are made dynamic by mounting them movably on the gripping jaws. They can be moved relative to the jaws against a counterforce to adjust the contact type from positive (form-locking) to non-positive (force-fitting), enabling easy separation while maintaining secure holding during transport.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, process-safe separation of apex cores from separators with reduced human resources, minimizing geometric requirements and operational complexity, and facilitating direct transfer to tire building machines with low force and high efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
gripping fingers (11) that can be moved relative to one another against a counterforce
Implementation Method 2
The resilient element moves the gripping fingers (11) relative to the gripping jaw (10)
Implementation Method 3
the apex cores adhere to the separators with varying degrees of strength
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for separating separators (3) and apex cores (2) for pneumatic tires from one another, comprising the following steps: a) vertically stacked storage of an apex core (2) on a separator (3), wherein the separator has a centrally arranged recess; b) movement of at least two gripping jaws (10) of a gripping system (7) into the recess of the separator (3), wherein the gripping jaws (10) have gripping fingers (11) that are movable relative to each other against a counterforce; c) radial movement of the gripping jaws apart from the separator, wherein gripping fingers (11) are moved against the separator and the gripping fingers (11) create a force-locking contact with the separator by further movement of the gripping jaws (10), wherein further gripping fingers (11) of the same gripping jaws (10) are moved into recesses (15) of the separator to come into contact with the apex core (2); d) bringing the Separators (3) with a scraping agent (9),e) Separation of the apex core and separator from each other by a relative axial movement between the gripping system and the stripping means.