Expandable Drum Assembly for Tire Blank Production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The tire manufacturing industry faces high costs and inefficiencies due to the need for multiple drums and complex roll-up devices adapted to specific tire sizes and architectures, limiting flexibility and increasing manufacturing time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and installation using a simplified expandable drum with radially movable sectors and independent roll-up devices that can adapt to various tire sizes and architectures, allowing components to be assembled and rolled up around rods with adjustable fins and rollers, enabling the production of multiple tire sizes on a single drum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple drums adapted to specific tire sizes are used, then manufacturing precision for different tire sizes is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drum is designed with adjustable parameters (diameter, length, sector configuration) that allow it to serve multiple tire sizes and architectures. The drum can be reconfigured by adjusting its dimensions and repositioning sectors to accommodate different tire specifications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized drums.
Solution Approach 2:
The drum incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements including movable sectors, variable diameter adjustments, and repositionable components. These dynamic features enable the drum to adapt its geometry to match different tire sizes and architectures, transforming a static specialized tool into a flexible multi-functional device.
2Ease of operation
If complex roll-up devices with inflatable membranes are used, then ease of operation for rolling up plies is improved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The roll-up function is separated from the drum structure and implemented as an independent external device. This extraction allows the roll-up mechanism to be optimized independently, simplified in design, and easily replaced or maintained without affecting the drum system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex inflatable membrane system is replaced with a simpler mechanical roll-up device using rollers and guide structures. This substitution eliminates the need for pneumatic or hydraulic systems, reducing device complexity, maintenance requirements, and energy consumption while maintaining the roll-up function.
3Ease of operation
If drum-specific roll-up devices are mounted on the drum, then ease of operation for the specific tire size is improved, but adaptability to different tire sizes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The roll-up device is designed with universal features that allow it to operate on different tire sizes and architectures. Adjustable parameters such as roller positions, guide rail configurations, and actuator ranges of motion enable the same device to accommodate various tire specifications without requiring size-specific variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The roll-up device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements including movable rollers, variable positioning mechanisms, and adaptable guide structures. These dynamic features enable the device to adjust its geometry and operation to match different tire sizes, maintaining ease of operation across the entire product range.
4Ease of operation
If inflatable membrane roll-up devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to maintenance difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The roll-up function is extracted from the drum system as an independent, removable device. This separation allows for easier maintenance, replacement, and repair without affecting the main drum structure. The independent design enables the roll-up device to be serviced separately, improving overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable membrane system is replaced with a purely mechanical roller-based system that has fewer moving parts, no pneumatic or hydraulic components, and no seals or valves that could leak. This mechanical substitution inherently improves reliability by eliminating the failure modes associated with pneumatic systems while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~3a
Figure 2b~3c
Figure 2d~2f
AI summary
The invention relates to a tire blank, said method comprising, in sequence, the steps involving: - positioning plies of rubber on a drum (2) consisting of segments (8) which are radially movable between an extended position and a collapsed position of the drum, wherein said segments form the outer circumferential surface (10) of the drum (2) of the main axis (6), - positioning bead wires - raising the edges of the plies extending axially beyond the bead wires toward the ends of the drum using blades (45) extending axially and arranged circumferentially about the main axis (6), - folding the edges of the plies using roller elements (90) separate from the drum (2) and which move in the axial direction across the circumferential surface of the drum to roll the edges of the plies up around the bead wire, - moving said blades (45) into longitudinal slots (40) extending parallel to the axis (6) at the ends of the segments (8) to raise the edges of the plies of rubber placed on the drum before folding same.