Configurable Vacuum Holding Device for Tire Semi-Finished Products

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Solution Overview

Problem

In tire manufacturing, existing solutions for holding semi-finished products during cutting and transfer operations lack precise parameterization according to product dimensions, leading to inefficiencies and potential product degradation.

Innovation Solution

A configurable product holding system featuring a holding device with a vacuum circuit and a transport device, utilizing a support frame, laying table, and grippers with distributed supply openings and pistons to ensure secure and precise holding and transport of products, allowing for automatic adjustment based on product dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vacuum is used to hold the product during cutting and transfer operations, then the product can be securely held and moved, but the holding precision and adaptability to different product dimensions are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to product dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptability by making the holding device configurable according to product dimensions. The device can be adjusted to match different sizes of semi-finished products, allowing the same vacuum holding system to reliably hold various product dimensions without degradation of holding precision or adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the holding device to match product dimensions. By configuring the holding device with adjustable parameters that correspond to different product sizes, the system maintains both reliable holding and adaptability across various product dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If mechanical pressure is used to hold the product during cutting, then holding force can be applied, but the product may be degraded or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding forceVSAvoidproduct degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct mechanical pressure with a vacuum-based holding system. Instead of applying mechanical force that could damage the product, the vacuum creates a suction effect that securely holds the product without degrading or damaging it, while still providing sufficient holding force for cutting operations.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration of holding devices is used, then adaptability to product width can be achieved, but automation and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfigurability according to widthVSAvoidautomatic configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service automation where the holding device can automatically configure itself according to product dimensions. The system eliminates manual intervention by using sensors or control systems that automatically adjust the holding device parameters to match the product width, maintaining adaptability while achieving full automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Quantity of substance

If fixed inner tube configuration is used in the holding strip, then vacuum distribution can be controlled, but automatic adaptability to different product widths is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuum distribution controlVSAvoidautomatic width adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixed inner tube configuration into a dynamic system that can automatically adjust vacuum distribution according to product width. The configurable holding device modifies its vacuum distribution pattern based on detected product dimensions, maintaining both vacuum control and automatic adaptability to different widths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The system provides efficient and reliable holding and transport of products, maintaining precise positioning and minimizing product deformation during cutting and transfer processes, ensuring consistent product quality.

Implementation Method 1

The use of vacuum to maintain the product is one of the technologies used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

at least one supply opening (121) defined in said planar element (106) to establish fluid communication between said primary chamber (112) and said secondary chamber (118)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid communication:

Data Source

PatentEP3765279B1Device for holding a product, which can be configured as the product is being processed
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)
  • EP3765279B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3765279B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3765279B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In the field of tyre production, the invention relates to a device for holding a product, which can be configured as the product is being processed. The invention also relates to a system for holding a product, which can be configured as the product is being processed.