Heat Press Loader Unloader Servo Pivoting Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional curing presses rely on pneumatic cylinders for pivoting arms, making speed control and positioning of start and stop positions unreliable, requiring mechanical stops and frequent manual adjustments, which are prone to errors and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

The pivoting systems of the loader and unloader are designed with software-controlled servo motors and hydraulic cylinders, respectively, allowing for precise control of swivel angles and movements through position measuring systems, eliminating the need for mechanical stops and enabling fully automatic operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If pneumatic cylinders are used for pivoting arms, then the structure is simple, but speed control and positioning accuracy are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pneumatic cylinders with servo motors for pivoting arm actuation. Servo motors provide precise digital control of position, speed, and acceleration through software, eliminating the imprecision of pneumatic systems while maintaining structural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control through sensors that monitor the actual position of pivoting arms and provide real-time data to the control system. This closed-loop feedback ensures accurate positioning and enables automatic correction of any deviations from the desired trajectory.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If mechanical stops are used for start and stop positions, then positioning is possible, but manual adjustment is required frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidmanual adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-positioning through software-controlled servo motors that automatically move pivoting arms to predetermined start and stop positions based on digital parameters. The system eliminates the need for manual mechanical stop adjustment by using programmable position control with feedback verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If shock absorbers are used to slow down loader approach, then green tire damage is prevented, but cycle time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetire damage preventionVSAvoidcycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamic speed control through servo motors to adjust the approach speed of the loader pivoting arm in real-time. The system accelerates and decelerates smoothly according to programmable parameters, providing gentle tire handling during loading while minimizing idle time at extreme positions through precise stop control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If pneumatic cylinders are used for pivoting movement, then device complexity is low, but speed control capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator system complexityVSAvoidpivoting speed control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pneumatic actuation with electric servo motor actuation for pivoting arms. Servo motors provide precise digital control of speed, acceleration, and position through software parameters, enabling independent control of loading and unloading speeds while maintaining relatively simple mechanical integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides precise control over pivoting movements, reducing cycle time and improving accuracy, allowing for gentle and efficient handling of green tires during loading and unloading, while eliminating the need for manual adjustments and mechanical stops.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic cylinder 6 acting on the swivel arm 1, with the swiveling angle being controlled by means of a position measuring system 7

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a position measuring system, which determines the swivel angle and transmits signals to a control unit in order to determine the start position and the stop position in this way

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPosition measurement:

Implementation Method 3

automatically controlled via software by means of a servomotor with gearing arranged on the holding device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectServo motor control:

Implementation Method 4

a servomotor with gearing arranged on the holding device, whereby the holding device together with the servomotor and gearing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGearing: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3720694B1Heat press comprising a loader and an unloader
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 HARBURG FREUDENBERGER MASCHINENBAU GMBH
  • EP3720694B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a heat press comprising a loader for loading a green tyre into said heat press, and an unloader for unloading the vulcanised tyre, said loader and unloader each comprising a pivoting system with a horizontally pivotable pivot arm (1, 1') with a tyre gripping device (3, 3'). The pivot arm (1, 1') is pivoted either by means of a hydraulic cylinder (6) controlled by a displacement measuring system (7), or by means of a software-controlled servomotor (4) with a gear mechanism.