Green Tire Handling via Optical Edge Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of green tires in automated manufacturing processes is hindered by their unstable geometric shape before vulcanization, making it difficult to achieve high automation levels due to the lack of geometric stability and proper support during ancillary actions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a detecting line to acquire the position of two edges of the tire, allowing for controlled gripping and positioning, which enables automated ancillary actions without prolonging the tire's pause time in the manufacturing process. This involves generating relative motions between the detecting line and the tire to determine the positions of the edges and using a gripping device, such as a radial expansion clamp, to grip the tire based on these positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated handling apparatus is used for green tyres, then productivity and automation level are improved, but the unstable geometric shape of green tyres causes unreliable detection and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical detectors that identify the tyre's position by detecting changes in light reflection patterns caused by the tyre's geometric features (edges, sidewalls, tread). The detector recognizes specific geometric signatures that change as the tyre rotates or moves, enabling reliable automated detection despite the tyre's unstable shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning systems with an optical detection system. Instead of using fixed mechanical guides or support structures to define the tyre's position, the system uses optical detectors to non-contactly identify the tyre's edges and calculate its geometric center, enabling automated handling without mechanical constraints.
2Ease of operation
If green tyres are supported during ancillary actions, then handling stability is improved, but the lack of proper support structures increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the green tyre itself serve as the support reference. By detecting the tyre's own geometric features (edges, sidewalls, tread patterns) and calculating its geometric center from these features, the system eliminates the need for external support structures. The tyre's own geometry becomes the reference framework for positioning and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal handling approach that works for all green tyres regardless of specific variations. The geometric center calculation method and optical detection system can handle any green tyre by identifying its characteristic geometric features, making the handling apparatus universally applicable without requiring tyre-specific support structures.
3Ease of manufacture
If ancillary actions are performed on green tyres, then manufacturing completeness is improved, but the pause time in the manufacturing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary positioning and detection of the green tyre's geometric center before ancillary actions begin. By pre-calculating the geometric center from edge detection, the system prepares the tyre for subsequent operations (barcode application, labeling, etc.) without requiring time-consuming adjustments or repositioning during the ancillary actions themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous automated handling by integrating the detection and positioning functions directly into the ancillary action workflow. The optical detection and geometric center calculation occur seamlessly as part of the automated process, allowing ancillary actions to be performed in continuous sequence without interrupting the manufacturing flow or requiring manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus of handling tyres. The method includes: —generating a first relative motion between a detecting line (4) and a tyre (100) for acquiring the position of a first edge (106) of a tyre (100) with respect to a reference (5); —generating a second relative motion between said detecting line (4) and said tyre (100) and acquiring the position of a second edge (107) of said tyre (100) with respect to said reference (5); —positioning a gripping device and gripping said tyre (100) on the basis of the positions of said first and second edge (107) with respect to said reference (5).