Multi-Roller Tread Support for Uniform Retread Brushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The retreading process faces issues with irregular movement of tread blocks during brushing, leading to overbrushed and underbrushed areas, which require manual rework, increasing labor and costs due to rigidity differences between tread blocks and grooves.
Innovation Solution
A tread support device with a plurality of rollers arranged on a circular circumference to provide uniform support and restrict unwanted movement of tread blocks, ensuring consistent brushing by engaging the tread between the brush and rollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single roller with convex surface is used to support the tread during brushing, then the tread can be fed through the brush machine, but the tread blocks tilt irregularly causing uneven brushing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The single roller is segmented into multiple smaller rollers (typically 3-5 rollers) arranged in a row. Each roller provides localized support to different portions of the tread block, preventing the tilting and irregular movement that occurs with a single large roller. This segmentation allows the tread to maintain consistent contact with the brush throughout the brushing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system transitions from a single-point contact (one roller) to a distributed multi-point contact system. The multiple rollers are arranged along the width of the tread, creating support across the dimensional span of the tread block. This dimensional distribution prevents concentration of forces that cause tilting.
2Ease of operation
If the roller has a small radius convex surface to engage the tread, then the tread can be fed through the machine, but the rigidity difference between tread blocks and grooves causes irregular bending and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented across multiple rollers instead of concentrated on one roller. Each roller engages a different portion of the tread, distributing the feeding forces across multiple contact points. This prevents the irregular bending caused by the rigidity difference between tread blocks and grooves.
Solution Approach 2:
Each roller provides localized support quality tailored to its specific position under the tread. The multiple rollers create zones of support that accommodate the varying rigidity characteristics of different tread regions, allowing each local area to be supported appropriately rather than forcing uniform support across the entire tread width.
3Productivity
If the tread blocks are brushed with irregular movement, then the brushing process can be completed quickly, but overbrushed and underbrushed areas are created requiring manual rework
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into multiple rollers that work in parallel to maintain tread stability throughout the brushing process. This allows the brushing to proceed at full speed without the tread deviating or tilting, ensuring uniform brushing coverage across all areas and eliminating the need for manual rework of over or underbrushed spots.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tread support device (10) for a retread process is provided that has a first support roller (12) that rotates about a first support roller axis. A second support roller (16) is present that rotates about a second support roller axis. A third support roller (20) is also included that rotates about a third support roller axis. The first support roller (10), the second support roller (12), and the third support roller (20) all support a tread (24). Also in the tread support device (10), the first support roller axis, the second support roller axis, and the third support roller axis are arranged with respect to one another so as to be located on a circumference of a circle (32).