Foil Removal Device Gripper Winding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual removal of protective foils from tire treads is time-consuming, prone to tearing, and can damage or contaminate the tire tread, especially with lengthy treads where slack foil can cause unpredictable behavior during removal.
Innovation Solution
A foil removal device with a gripper and winding element that automates the removal process by engaging the foil at one end, rotating it to prevent slack, and winding it onto a collection unit while moving relative to the tire tread, using a tape applicator to minimize waste and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual removal of protective foil is performed, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but removal time increases and risk of damage or contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foil removal device is designed to automatically perform the removal operation without requiring continuous manual intervention. The gripper automatically engages the foil, the winding element automatically winds the removed foil, and the system moves through the tire tread autonomously, transforming a manual task into an automated self-service process that reduces time while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical removal process with an automated mechanical system consisting of a gripper, winding element, and drive mechanism. This substitution eliminates human labor from the direct removal action while maintaining the mechanical nature of the process, thereby reducing removal time without compromising simplicity
2Device complexity
If manual removal of protective foil is performed, then equipment complexity is minimized, but consistency and reliability of removal decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The winding element automatically collects and winds the removed foil throughout the entire removal process, eliminating the need for manual intervention to manage the foil. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent and reliable removal by maintaining continuous control over the foil, preventing tears and contamination while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple
3Device complexity
If foil is pulled from one end to the other without collection, then device complexity is reduced, but slack causes unpredictable behavior and potential contact with remaining foil
Solution Approach 1:
The winding element acts as an intermediary between the gripper and the removed foil, continuously collecting and winding the foil as it is removed. This intermediary mechanism prevents slack from forming and eliminates the risk of the removed foil contacting the remaining foil on the tire tread, ensuring predictable and reliable removal behavior while adding only moderate complexity to the device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a foil removal device and a method for removing a foil (2) from a tire tread (1) in a removal direction, wherein the foil removal device comprises a foil collection unit (6) with a winding element (61, 62), a winding drive for receiving the foil at or near one of the ends of the foil, a gripper (5) for engaging the foil (2) prior to the removal of the foil and a gripper drive (54) for moving the gripper (5) from the gripping position towards the foil collection unit to partially remove the foil (2) from the tire tread (1), wherein the gripper (5) is arranged for releasing the foil when the foil collection unit (6) has received the foil (2), wherein the winding drive is arranged for driving the winding element (61, 62) to engage and subsequently remove the foil (2), wherein the removal device comprises a displacement drive (64) for moving the foil collection unit (6) simultaneously with the winding drive driving the winding element. (61, 62)