Multi-Roller Tread Support for Uniform Retread Brushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The retreading process of tires faces irregular movement of tread blocks during brushing, leading to overbrushed and underbrushed areas, resulting in suboptimal finishing quality and increased labor costs due to the rigidity difference between tread blocks and grooves, causing ergonomic issues and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A tread support device with a plurality of rollers arranged on a circumference provides uniform support to the tread, restricting unwanted movement and ensuring consistent brushing by engaging the tread between the brush and rollers, thus maintaining a stable contact patch and reducing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single roller with convex surface is used to support the tread, then the tread can be fed through the brush machine, but the tread blocks deform irregularly and move uncontrollably during brushing
Solution Approach 1:
The single roller is divided into multiple rollers (first roller, second roller, third roller, fourth roller) arranged in sequence. Each roller has a specific function: the first two rollers engage the tread blocks to prevent tilting, while the last two rollers support the tread. This segmentation allows independent control of different tread regions, eliminating irregular deformation and ensuring uniform brushing.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional rollers act as intermediaries between the brush and the tread blocks. By introducing these intermediary rollers, the system gains better control over tread block positioning and orientation during the brushing process, preventing the irregular movement that occurs with a single roller configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tread blocks are large and open, then the tread pattern is effective for traction, but the tread blocks tilt irregularly during brushing causing overbrushed and underbrushed areas
Solution Approach 1:
Different rollers are positioned to provide localized support and control to specific regions of the tread. The first and second rollers specifically target the leading edges of tread blocks to prevent upward tilting, while the third and fourth rollers support the trailing edges. This localized control ensures that each part of the tread receives appropriate brushing pressure, eliminating overbrushed and underbrushed areas.
3Ease of operation
If the roller has a small radius and convex surface, then the tread can be engaged and fed, but the tread deforms differently between tread blocks and grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The single roller is segmented into four separate rollers with controlled spacing. This segmentation allows each roller to independently manage the deformation of different tread features (blocks and grooves), preventing the irregular deformation patterns that occur when a single small-radius roller contacts the entire tread width.
Data Source
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).