Offset Magnetic Arrays for Tire Component Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire component transfer devices require complex and expensive electromagnets to manage magnetic attraction between conveyors, making them costly and difficult to separate effectively.

Innovation Solution

A transfer device with movable transfer members featuring magnetic field arrays that are offset relative to each other, allowing for reduced magnetic attraction forces between them, enabling easy separation without additional control mechanisms, using permanent magnets for cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If electromagnets are used to transfer cord ply segments between conveyors, then the transfer function is achieved, but the magnetic attraction between electromagnets causes complexity and high cost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the magnetic field generation function from the transfer member structure itself and places it in separate, removable magnetic field sources. These sources can be independently positioned and controlled, allowing the magnetic field to be applied only when needed for transfer, eliminating continuous magnetic attraction and the associated complexity and cost of switching mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic field sources as intermediary elements between the transfer members. These sources create the necessary magnetic attraction for transfer without requiring the transfer members themselves to be electromagnets, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If electromagnets are used to transfer cord ply segments, then transfer is achieved, but separation of conveyors is counteracted by magnetic force requiring additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation easeVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the magnetic field sources dynamically positionable relative to the transfer members. The magnetic field sources can be moved into position during transfer and removed or repositioned during separation, allowing the system to adapt its magnetic field configuration to the operational phase without requiring complex switching controls

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions the magnetic field sources in advance at locations where they will be most effective for transfer, and maintains this positioning throughout the transfer process. This preliminary and sustained positioning eliminates the need for complex real-time control during separation, as the magnetic field sources are simply removed or repositioned after transfer completion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The offset magnetic field arrays significantly reduce the magnetic attraction between transfer members, simplifying the separation process and reducing the complexity and cost of the transfer device, while maintaining effective magnetic retention of tire components.

Implementation Method 1

the first transfer member comprises a plurality of first magnetic field sources that form a first magnetic field array for retaining the tire component to the first transfer member with a first magnetic attraction force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the second transfer member comprises a plurality of second magnetic field sources that form a second magnetic field array for retaining the tire component to the second transfer member with a second magnetic attraction force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3582957B1Transfer device and method for transferring a tire component
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 VMI HOLLAND BV
  • EP3582957B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3582957B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3582957B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a transfer device and method for transferring an at least partially ferromagnetic tire component (9), wherein transfer device comprises a first transfer member (1) and a second transfer member (2) which are movable into a first transfer state on opposite sides of a first transfer plane (PI), wherein the first transfer member (1) comprises first magnetic field sources (11) that form a first magnetic field array (12) for retaining the tire component (9) with a first magnetic attraction force (Fl), wherein the second transfer member (2) comprises second magnetic field sources (21) that form a second magnetic field array (22) for retaining the tire component (9) with a second magnetic attraction force (F2) that is larger than the first magnetic attraction force (Fl) at the first transfer plane (PI), wherein in the first transfer state the second magnetic field array (22) is offset with respect to the first magnetic field array (12).