Conveyor Belt Vulcanization Press Partial Opening Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vulcanization presses require complete opening for every conveyor belt operation, leading to reduced throughput due to unnecessary press openings during continuous production.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a control system that checks for the presence of a conveyor belt coil using measuring devices, allowing partial opening of the press plates only when necessary, and controlling the lifting device to manage the press opening based on conveyor belt thickness and presence, minimizing full press openings to optimize throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the press is completely opened for every conveyor belt operation, then the conveyor belt can be threaded and removed, but the press opening time increases and throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyor belt threading and removalVSAvoidpress throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The press is opened only partially to an operating opening position that is sufficient for the conveyor belt to pass through, rather than opening it completely. This partial action reduces the time required for press opening while still achieving the necessary function of belt threading and removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors to detect the presence and position of the conveyor belt, enabling the press to automatically determine when opening is necessary and to what extent, reducing manual intervention and optimizing the opening operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the press opens fully every time, then all conveyor belt operations can be performed, but unnecessary press openings occur during continuous production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepress operation flexibilityVSAvoidpress opening time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The press opening position is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of conveyor belt presence and position. The control system modifies the opening extent according to actual operational needs, opening fully only when necessary for threading or removal, and partially or not at all during continuous production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors provide feedback about the conveyor belt's presence and position to the control system, which then adjusts the press opening accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the press opens only when and to the extent necessary, eliminating unnecessary openings during continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the press opens to a smaller operating opening position, then press opening time is reduced, but the conveyor belt may not be able to pass through

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepress throughputVSAvoidconveyor belt transport through press
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The press opens to a partial operating opening position that is carefully calibrated to be just sufficient for the conveyor belt to pass through. This minimal sufficient opening reduces press opening time while maintaining the necessary function of belt transport through the press.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The operating opening position is dynamically determined based on real-time detection of conveyor belt thickness and position. The system adjusts the opening extent to match the actual belt dimensions, ensuring the belt can pass through while minimizing the opening distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3383633B1Method and device for producing a conveyor belt
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 CONTITECH TRANSPORTBANDSYSTEME GMBH
  • EP3383633B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3383633B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3383633B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing conveyor belts (6) in a device having a vulcanization press (1). The problem addressed by the invention is that of improving the method such that the press opening times are minimized and the throughput of the press (1) is consequently optimized. This problem is solved in that it can be verified during the method whether a conveyor belt blank (6, 7, 8, 9) is present in the press for vulcanizing and a decision is made depending on this information as to how far the press (1) opens the pressing plates (4, 5). There is an operating opening position and a complete opening of the press (1). The invention further relates to a device for carrying out the method.