Multiple Extrusion Head With Pivoting Flow Channel Inserts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multiple strand press heads are unable to produce running strips with improved material properties required for advanced tire manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A multiple strand press head with a fifth extruder feed opening and a swiveling second flow channel insert, allowing for the creation of additional flow channels with distinct material properties, enhancing the production of complex running strips.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional flow channels are added to produce more complex running strips, then the versatility and productivity of the extrusion head improve, but the device complexity and difficulty of cleaning increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to produce complex running stripsVSAvoidstructural complexity of multiple flow channels
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extrusion head is divided into multiple independent flow channel inserts (first flow channel insert, second flow channel insert) that can be individually removed and cleaned. Each insert is separable from the base body, allowing maintenance without disassembling the entire complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flow channel inserts are designed with pivotal mounting that allows them to be rotated between a closed position (for extrusion) and an open position (for cleaning). This dynamic capability enables easy access to internal surfaces without permanent disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple flow channel inserts are used to enhance production capability, then the productivity improves, but the ease of operation for cleaning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput of varied material propertiesVSAvoidease of cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flow channels are segmented into separate inserts that can be independently removed. The first flow channel insert and second flow channel insert can be taken out separately, allowing targeted cleaning of specific channels without affecting others.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flow channel inserts are designed to be pre-positioned in a removable manner, allowing them to be quickly extracted for cleaning before contamination hardens. The pivotal mounting enables rapid access without complex disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the extrusion head is designed with multiple fixed flow channels, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the adaptability to produce different tread profiles is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of extrusionVSAvoidvariety of tread profiles
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flow channel inserts are pivotally mounted rather than fixed, allowing them to be rotated into different positions. This enables the same extrusion head to produce different running strip profiles by adjusting the insert positions while maintaining precise extrusion geometry when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The extrusion head is designed as a universal system that can produce multiple types of running strips with different material properties through the combination of multiple flow channel inserts. The same base body with pivoting inserts can accommodate various tread profile requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3221117B2Multiple extrusion head
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 KRAUSSMAFFEI EXTRUSION GMBH
  • EP3221117B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3221117B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3221117B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a multiple extrusion press head for producing tread profiles of tyres, comprising: a base body (12) having a first supply opening (22) for connecting a first extruder, a second supply opening (24) for connecting a second extruder, a third supply opening (26) for connecting a third extruder, and a fourth supply opening for connecting a fourth extruder; a first head part (14) which is mounted such that it can swivel in relation to the base body, and which has a receiving means (32) that is open in the direction of the base body (12); a second head part that is mounted such that it can swivel in relation to the base body (12); at least one flow channel insert (18, 20) that is mounted such that it can swivel in relation to the base body (12), wherein the first head part (14) and the second head part (16) can be brought into a closed state, in which the head parts (14, 16) are connected to one another in a pressure-tight manner, and a first flow channel (34), a second flow channel (36), a third flow channel (38) and a fourth flow channel (40) are formed in the multiple extrusion press head (10), wherein every flow channel is connected to a supply opening. According to the invention, the base body (12) has a fifth supply opening (30) for connecting a fifth extruder, and the multiple extrusion press head (10) has a second flow channel insert (20), which, independently of the first flow channel insert (18), is mounted such that it can swivel in relation to the base body (12), and borders a fifth flow channel (42) that is connected to the fifth supply opening (30).