Elastomer Sheet Batch Marking for Accurate Transition Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for marking batches in tire manufacturing are inaccurate, particularly in identifying the start or end of a batch, leading to potential errors in batch identification and sampling due to stretching or contraction of the rubber sheet during handling.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a combination of batch markings and start or end markings to accurately determine the location and boundaries of sheet batches, utilizing embossing wheels or other marking tools to apply human-readable and computer-readable codes, with a control unit connected to the sheet production unit to ensure precise application of markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single identification mark is applied to the final batch of the previous lot, then batch identification is enabled, but the accuracy of determining batch locations and transitions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is segmented into multiple independent marking tools: a first marking tool that applies identification marks to each batch and a second marking tool that applies start/end marks at batch transitions. This segmentation allows each tool to perform its specific function independently, improving both reliability of identification and precision of location determination without interference between functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The second marking tool acts as an intermediary that applies distinctive start/end marks at batch transitions. These intermediary marks serve as reference points that mediate between the first marking tool's batch identification marks and the batch transition detection system, enabling accurate determination of batch locations even when batches are stretched or contracted during handling.
2Productivity
If encoder pulses are used to determine batch positions, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but accuracy deteriorates when the sheet is stretched or contracted
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces reliance on mechanical encoder pulses with a marking-based identification system. Instead of using mechanical position encoding that is sensitive to sheet deformation, the system applies visual marks that can be detected independently of the sheet's mechanical state, substituting a mechanical measurement approach with a marking and detection approach that is immune to stretching or contraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking tools apply identification marks and start/end marks to the sheet in advance before the sheet undergoes stretching or contraction during handling. These preliminary marks remain fixed references that can be accurately located even after the sheet deforms, allowing batch positions to be determined accurately despite subsequent mechanical changes.
3Device complexity
If no start or end markings are applied, then the marking system is simple, but the ability to identify batch transitions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The marking system is segmented into two functional components: a first marking tool for applying batch identification marks and a second marking tool for applying start/end marks. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity for basic identification while adding transition detection capability when needed, with each component being independently controllable and relatively simple in design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an system and a method for marking a continuously produced sheet (9) of elastomeric material to identify sheet batches (B1, B2, B3, BN) associated with a respective stock of raw extrusion material (F1, F2, F3, FN) in a longitudinal direction of the continuously produced sheet (9), wherein the apparatus comprises one or more marking tools (71, 72) for providing the continuously produced sheet (9) with a series of batch markings (M1, M2, MN) which are indicative of the respective sheet batch (B1, B2, B3, BN) and for providing a start or end marking indicating the start or end, respectively, of a respective sheet batch.