Green Bicycle Tire Loading Apparatus with Internal Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle tires, especially when green, lack structural consistency for proper mechanical handling due to non-metallic bead cores and the absence of reinforcement belting layers, leading to deformation and random shape loss during processing.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for loading a green bicycle tire into a vulcanization mould using a gripping device that aligns the tire's geometric axis with a central body's reference axis, positions it radially and axially, and applies a thrust action to maintain the tire's position, ensuring precise and stable handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-metallic bead cores are used in green bicycle tires, then the tires become more flexible and suitable for bicycle applications, but the structural consistency deteriorates leading to deformation during mechanical handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing support means (internal support structure) to the green tire before mechanical handling operations. This support structure is inserted into the tire cavity and maintains the tire's shape during transfer and positioning operations, preventing deformation that would otherwise occur due to the soft, non-metallic bead cores.
2Stability of the object's composition
If reinforcement belting layers are added to green bicycle tires, then structural consistency improves for mechanical handling, but the complexity of the tire structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a separate support means (internal support structure) that is temporarily inserted into the tire cavity. This mediator provides the necessary structural support for handling without permanently modifying the tire structure. The support means is removed after positioning, leaving the original simple tire structure intact.
3Stability of the object's composition
If manual handling of green bicycle tires is used, then deformation can be controlled, but productivity decreases due to slow processing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by making the green tire self-supporting through the internal support structure. The support means allows the tire to maintain its own shape during automated handling operations, eliminating the need for manual shaping interventions while enabling high-speed automated transfer and positioning systems.
4Productivity
If automated handling systems are implemented for green bicycle tires, then productivity increases, but the tires deform due to lack of structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by inserting the support means into the tire cavity before automated handling begins. This preliminary support structure enables subsequent high-speed automated operations (transfer, positioning, loading) to proceed without causing deformation, thus achieving both high productivity and shape stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A green tyre (2) for bicycles is built, comprising at least one carcass ply (4) having axially opposite end flaps (4a) engaged with respective bead cores (5) and a tread band (6) applied in a radially outer position around said at least one carcass ply (4). The built tyre (2) removed from the building drum, is profiled so as to translate the tread band (6) in a radially outer direction with respect to the bead cores (5), so as to impart a cross-sectional convex profile to the tyre (2) in a radially outer direction. The profiled tire is engaged by means of a transfer member (31) comprising a gripping device (30) which holds it hanging and loads it into a vulcanisation mould (101) by axially positioning an axial centreline plane (M) of the green tyre at an axial reference (51) arranged at a predetermined height along a reference axis (K) of a central body (103) of the vulcanisation mould (101).