Bead-Apex Stitching With Alternating Rotation to Prevent Line Entanglement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bead-apex stitching devices have high cycle times, and there is a risk of control lines getting entangled during the stitching process.

Innovation Solution

A bead-apex stitching device with rotatable first and second stitching members that rotate in alternating directions, allowing for efficient back-and-forth movement over less than one revolution, and a bead holder that rotates in a similar manner to prevent entanglement and reduce cycle time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the stitching members are rotated in a single direction to complete stitching operations, then the stitching process can be completed, but the cycle time increases and control lines may become entangled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestitching cycle timeVSAvoidcontrol line entanglement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stitching members rotate back-and-forth in periodic alternating directions rather than continuous single-direction rotation. The control unit alternates the rotation direction of the stitching members between first and second directions, creating a periodic motion pattern that completes stitching operations while preventing control line entanglement and reducing cycle time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of rotating stitching members in a single direction, the invention reverses the rotation direction periodically. The control unit is configured to rotate the stitching members in a first rotation direction and then in a second rotation direction opposite to the first, utilizing reverse motion to return stitching members to initial positions and prevent entanglement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple stitching members are used to perform different stitching operations, then stitching quality improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestitching qualityVSAvoidnumber of stitching members
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stitching members are designed to perform multiple different stitching operations through alternating rotation directions. The same stitching members can apply stitches from different sides and in different patterns by reversing rotation direction, allowing one set of stitching members to fulfill the function of multiple dedicated stitching members would otherwise be required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The stitching members are configured to dynamically change their operation mode by alternating rotation directions. The control unit switches between first and second rotation directions to enable the stitching members to perform different stitching functions sequentially, providing operational versatility without requiring separate static stitching members for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4552833B1Bead-apex stitching device, bead-apex station and method for stitching an apex to a bead
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 VMI HOLLAND BV
  • EP4552833B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4552833B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4552833B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a bead-apex stitching device, a bead-apex station and a method for stitching an apex to a bead, wherein the bead-apex stitching device comprises at least one first stitching member and at least one second stitching member, wherein the bead-apex stitching device comprises a stitching drive for driving the rotation of the at least one first stitching member and the at least one second stitching member about the central axis and a control unit that is operationally connected to the stitching drive, wherein the control unit is configured for controlling the stitching drive to rotate the at least one first stitching member and the at least one second stitching member in a first rotation direction and to subsequently rotate the at least one first stitching member and the at least one second stitching member in a second rotation direction, opposite to the first rotation direction.