Movable Shoulder Segments for Variable Tire Building Drums
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle tire manufacturing processes are complex and inefficient, requiring intricate tire building drums and multiple steps, which complicates the production and adaptation of tire dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A simplified method using a tire building drum with two movable shoulder segments that can be adjusted in distance and orientation, allowing for variable tire dimensions and reduced material usage, along with the use of compressed air and pneumatic or motor drives to expand segments radially or rotationally, supporting the carcass ply construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional tire building drum with a solid middle section is used, then the structural stability is maintained, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The middle section of the tire building drum is divided into two separate shoulder segments that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation reduces material usage and simplifies the overall drum structure while maintaining stability through controlled movement and positioning mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tire building drum is designed for a specific tire dimension, then the manufacturing precision is optimized, but the adaptability to different tire dimensions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder segments are made movable with adjustable spacing, allowing the drum configuration to dynamically adapt to different tire dimensions. The segments can be positioned at various distances from each other to accommodate different tire widths while maintaining precise bead formation through controlled positioning.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If compressed air is applied to the carcass drum cavity, then air pockets are prevented, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Compressed air is applied selectively and temporarily during specific stages of tire construction when air pocket formation is most critical. The air pressure is maintained only during the insert placement and initial shaping phases, then reduced or eliminated, thereby preventing air pockets while minimizing overall energy consumption.
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 method significantly reduces process complexity, saves material, allows for easier adaptation to different tire dimensions, and prevents air pockets, enabling efficient and flexible production of vehicle tires with optimal bead construction.
Implementation Method 1
compressed air is applied to the cavity of the carcass drum in one or more steps a) to e) in order to thereby support the carcass insert from the inside. The loading of the carcass drum with compressed air in particular prevents air pockets between the tire inner liner and the carcass insert arranged above it.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
Figure 7~10
AI summary
The method involves placing a carcass insert (6) on a carcass drum (1), where the carcass drum comprises two lateral drum segments (3) and two middle shoulder segments (2). The middle shoulder segments are expanded in radially outward direction (8), where a passage is formed between the lateral drum segment and the middle shoulder segment. The carcass insert end is projected at a bead core.