Dual Tire Buffing Apparatus with Rotating Turntable

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire retreading processes are inefficient due to the need for frequent start/stop sequences of the rasp head, leading to energy wastage and reduced component lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A dual tire buffing apparatus with a turntable that rotates between two positions, allowing simultaneous buffing and skiving operations on different tire casings, thereby reducing the need for frequent start/stop sequences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single tire buffing apparatus is used to process multiple tires sequentially, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is reduced due to frequent start/stop sequences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuffing operation efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus divides the buffing function into two separate rasp heads (first and second) that can operate on different tires simultaneously. Each rasp head is mounted on its own expandable hub, allowing independent operation and eliminating the need to stop one rasp head to service another tire.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-point buffing operation to a dual-point simultaneous operation by adding a second rasp head and expandable hub assembly. This dimensional expansion allows two tires to be processed at the same time, effectively doubling productivity without requiring a complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the rasp head is stopped frequently for tire changes, then the device can process different tires, but energy consumption increases and component lifespan decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent lifespanVSAvoidrasp head energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The dual rasp head configuration allows continuous buffing operation without interruption. While one rasp head is processing a tire, the other can simultaneously process a different tire or perform maintenance, ensuring that at least one rasp head is always operational and eliminating the energy waste associated with frequent start/stop cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The second rasp head is prepared in advance to take over the buffing operation immediately when the first rasp head requires maintenance or tire changes. This preliminary preparation eliminates downtime and energy consumption associated with waiting for a single rasp head to become available after stopping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If only one tire is processed at a time, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the loss of time increases due to sequential processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetire processing timeVSAvoidhub assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two separate tire processing operations into a single apparatus by combining two rasp heads, two expandable hubs, and a common turntable mechanism. This unified dual-function apparatus processes two tires simultaneously, reducing total processing time while avoiding the complexity of having completely separate buffing machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The turntable and common base structure serve multiple functions by supporting both expandable hubs and enabling rotation between different tire positions. This multi-functional design allows the apparatus to handle various tire sizes and configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to having dedicated single-function machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach significantly reduces energy consumption and extends the lifespan of rasp head components by allowing continuous operation and minimizing the stress of frequent start/stop cycles.

Implementation Method 1

the worn tread may be removed through a process referred to as buffing... Buffing typically may involve removing excess rubber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

A dual tire buffing apparatus with a turntable that rotates between two positions, allowing simultaneous buffing and skiving operations on different tire casings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Implementation Method 3

A first expandable hub is rotatably coupled to the turntable proximate the first end. The first expandable hub is configured to receive a first tire casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExpandable mechanical grip:

Data Source

PatentUS20250162272A1Method and apparatus for dual tire buffing and handling

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 BRIDGESTONE BANDAG LLC

AI summary

An apparatus includes a turntable rotatable about a central axis between a first position and a second position, at least one hub coupled to the turntable, the at least one hub configured to receive at least one tire casing, and a rasp pedestal operable to allow a buffing operation on the at least one tire casing. The at least one hub includes a first hub configured to receive a first tire casing. In the first position, the buffing operation on the first tire casing is permitted, and, in the second position, the buffing operation on the first tire casing is inhibited.