Bead Wire Tool Switching for Precise Cutting and Crimping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for manufacturing reinforcing rods for tires are cumbersome, prone to errors, and costly due to the complexity of positioning and crimping specialized sleeves, leading to inefficiencies and material waste.

Innovation Solution

An automated installation that seamlessly transitions between cutting and crimping configurations, using a configuration unit to precisely and reproducibly adjust and join the ends of braided torus rods with a sleeve, ensuring quick, reliable, and cost-effective production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specialized tubular sleeves with internal central stops and chamfered positioning jaws are used, then the reliability of crimping is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrimping reliabilityVSAvoidsleeve and positioning jaw complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses simple, standard crimping sleeves without complex internal features like central stops. The positioning is achieved through the automated tooling system rather than through specialized sleeve geometry, allowing the use of simpler, more economical sleeves that can be easily replaced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated switching mechanism and positioning system perform the complex positioning and crimping operations automatically without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the transition between cutting and crimping configurations, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning jaws and specialized sleeve features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If manual positioning and insertion operations are performed, then the precision of sleeve placement is improved, but the production time and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesleeve placement precisionVSAvoidproduction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning operations with an automated switching mechanism that transitions between cutting and crimping configurations. This automated system maintains precision while dramatically increasing production speed by eliminating manual intervention in the positioning and crimping operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different working configurations (cutting and crimping) through an automated mechanism. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same equipment to perform multiple operations in sequence without manual intervention, maintaining precision while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If complex specialized sleeves are manufactured, then the crimping reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrimping reliabilityVSAvoidsleeve manufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs simple, standard crimping sleeves that are easier and less expensive to manufacture. The reliability is maintained through the precision of the automated crimping tooling rather than through complex sleeve design, allowing the use of simpler, more readily available components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The simple crimping sleeves used in the patent can serve multiple purposes and are compatible with standard crimping operations. Their simplicity makes them easier to manufacture and less prone to manufacturing defects, while the automated tooling ensures reliable crimping performance.

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

4Productivity

If automated switching between cutting and crimping configurations is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration switching mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a dynamic switching mechanism that automatically transitions between cutting and crimping configurations. This dynamic reconfiguration enables continuous automated operation without manual intervention, significantly improving productivity while the modular design of the switching mechanism helps manage the complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system is divided into distinct functional modules (cutting configuration and crimping configuration) that can switch between states. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while the overall system achieves high productivity through automated sequential operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3902643B1Apparatus for manufacturing bead wires for pneumatic tyres comprising a head for switching between cutting and crimping tools
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)
  • EP3902643B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3902643B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3902643B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for manufacturing a bead wire (9) intended to reinforce a pneumatic tyre, the apparatus comprising a receiving table (2) which is designed to receive a braided torus (3) which comprises a braid wire (4) which extends longitudinally from a first end section (5) to a second end section (6), a cutting tool (20), a crimping tool (30) designed to crimp a sleeve (14) around the first and second end sections (5, 6), and a configuration unit (40) which is designed to automatically switch the apparatus (1) from a cutting configuration (C20) in which the receiving table (2) cooperates with the cutting tool (20) so as to position the braided torus (3) and the first and second end sections (5, 6) so that said first and second end sections (5, 6) are sectioned by the cutting tool (20), to a crimping configuration (C30) in which the receiving table (2) cooperates with the crimping tool (30).