Interchangeable Extrusion Heads for Elastomer Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elastomeric compounds are prone to scorching and undesired curing during extrusion due to temperature limitations, and existing processes struggle to maintain optimal pressure and temperature conditions for varying compound properties, leading to inefficiencies in flow rate and productivity in tire production.

Innovation Solution

The extrusion process involves selecting the appropriate extrusion head based on the compound's viscosity, stickiness, and green strength to control temperature and pressure, allowing for interchangeable dies and calenders to optimize flow rates while keeping temperatures and pressures within safe limits, thereby enabling efficient production of different semifinished products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the extrusion pressure is increased to maintain flow rate, then the productivity is improved, but the temperature increases causing scorching and undesired curing of the elastomeric compound

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rateVSAvoidcompound temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the extrusion head interchangeable and adaptable to different compound properties. The system dynamically adjusts the extrusion head configuration based on the specific elastomeric compound being processed, allowing optimization of pressure and temperature parameters for each material type to prevent scorching while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters by selecting different extrusion heads with varying geometries and characteristics matched to specific compound properties (viscosity, stickiness, green strength). This parameter adjustment allows maintaining optimal flow rates without excessive temperature increase that would cause scorching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a fixed extrusion head is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different compound properties decreases leading to suboptimal flow rates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextrusion system complexityVSAvoidadaptability to compound properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing an extrusion system with interchangeable heads that can be adapted to process different types of elastomeric compounds. The standardized mounting system allows a single extruder to perform multiple functions by simply changing the head, providing versatility without requiring multiple dedicated extrusion devices

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static fixed head to a dynamic configurable system where the extrusion head can be changed based on the compound being processed. This dynamic adaptability allows optimization for each material type while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple extruders are used to handle different compound types, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompound type flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of extruders
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves versatility with a single multi-functional extrusion system. By using interchangeable heads that can be quickly changed, one extruder can process multiple different elastomeric compound types, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated extruders and reducing overall system complexity and space requirements

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 allows for high flow rates compatible with industrial tire production volumes while maintaining quality and reducing the need for multiple extruders and space, enabling efficient switching between compound types and minimizing scorching risks.

Implementation Method 1

The extrusion device comprises a holding body and a plurality of extrusion screws disposed in side by side relation at the inside of a chamber of the holding body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

Elastomeric compounds are prone to scorching and undesired curing during extrusion due to temperature limitations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscous Heating: Viscous Heating

Implementation Method 3

Elastomeric compounds are prone to scorching and undesired curing during extrusion due to temperature limitations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2516131B1Extrusion process and device for producing elastomeric compounds
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 PIRELLI TYRE SPA
  • EP2516131B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2516131B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2516131B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an extrusion device for producing elastomeric compounds, comprising a holding body (2) internally confining a chamber (3) and at least one extrusion screw (4) disposed in the chamber (3). The device (1) further comprises a plurality of interchangeable extrusion heads alternatively installed on the holding body (2) at a discharge opening (2b) of the chamber (3). The choice of using a type of head (5) rather than another or leaving the discharge opening (2b) free is carried out based on the physico-chemical features of the elastomeric compound to be treated, so as to maintain the temperature and/or pressure of the outgoing compound under critical threshold values for such a compound.