Belt and Tread Drum Radial Support for Tire Stitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for manufacturing cylindrical tire components face challenges in stitching the tread splice without damaging the edges of the tread layer, especially when the tread layer is wider than the belt layers, leading to inadequate stitching and labor-intensive manual corrections.
Innovation Solution
A belt and tread drum system with radially movable support members that can adjust to support the edges of the tread layer at the overlap area, allowing for even pressing force application during stitching, preventing edge damage and ensuring proper overlap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tread layer is wider than the belt layers and the stitching roller exerts pressure onto the part extending beyond the belt layers, then the tread splice can be stitched, but the edges of the tread layer become damaged or deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into multiple support members (at least two) that can be independently positioned. Each support member provides localized support to specific regions of the tread layer, allowing the edges extending beyond the belt layers to be supported without requiring uniform support across the entire tread width. This segmentation enables the stitching roller to apply pressure evenly without causing edge damage.
Solution Approach 2:
Support members are introduced as intermediary elements between the stitching roller and the tread layer edges. These support members act as mediators that distribute and equalize the pressing force applied by the stitching roller, preventing direct concentrated pressure on the vulnerable edges of the tread layer while still enabling effective stitching of the overlap area.
2Ease of manufacture
If the stitching roller applies pressing force to stitch the tread splice, then the leading and trailing ends are joined, but the edges of the tread layer are pushed away and overlap is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are positioned in advance before the stitching operation begins. By pre-positioning the support members at the correct locations on the tread layer edges, the system prepares the tread layer to maintain its alignment during the subsequent stitching process. This preliminary positioning prevents the edges from being pushed away during stitching and ensures proper overlap is maintained throughout the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are made radially movable, allowing their position to be adjusted dynamically during the manufacturing process. This parameter change capability enables the support members to adapt to different tread layer widths and positions, ensuring optimal support is provided at all times to maintain alignment precision while allowing the stitching process to proceed effectively.
3Reliability
If the circumferential surface of the belt and tread drum has protrusions for supporting the tread layer edges, then the tread splice can be stitched properly, but the protrusions may hit against the belt conveyor and damage it or disturb the transfer process
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed to be radially movable rather than fixed protrusions. This dynamic capability allows the support members to be retracted or adjusted to avoid interfering with the belt conveyor during the transfer process, while still being available to provide support during the stitching operation. The support members can move between a retracted position (clear of the conveyor path) and an extended position (providing support for stitching).
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a belt and tread drum for manufacturing a package of a belt layer and a tread layer into a cylindrical tire component, wherein the belt and tread drum comprises two support surfaces which are arranged spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of said belt and tread drum and which face away from the drum centre line and are radially movable with respect to the rigid support surface from a retracted position in which the tread support surface is arranged at or near the rigid support surface, to a raised position wherein the tread support surface is arranged in a radially outward position with respect to the rigid support surface, and vice versa, and wherein the tread support surfaces are movable in the substantial longitudinal direction of said drum.