Pivot-Arm Bobbin Winding for Automated Tire Component Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manufacturing processes for RFID tire components are inefficient, leading to reduced work efficiency, resource wastage, and potential manufacturing defects due to manual or semi-automatic operations, especially with cold rubber, and there is a need for improved automation in winding tire components.

Innovation Solution

An automatic end-of-line winding machine using a pivot arm, attachment member, and cutter to wind tire components onto bobbins, allowing for automated winding and cutting without user intervention, with optional manual intervention for initial setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual or semi-automatic processing equipment is used for cutting and producing tags, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity is reduced and manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic end-of-line winding machine divides the manufacturing process into distinct functional modules: a pivot arm for positioning, an attachment member for securing the tire component to the bobbin, and a cutter for cutting the component. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system coordination, thereby improving productivity without requiring complete automation of the entire manufacturing line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment member automatically secures the tire component to the bobbin without requiring manual intervention, and the cutter automatically cuts the component at the appropriate position. This self-service capability of the winding machine eliminates the need for continuous human operation, improving productivity while keeping the device complexity manageable through localized automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If manual operation is used for processing, then device complexity is low, but manufacturing precision deteriorates and harmful factors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated mechanical system. The pivot arm provides precise positioning, the attachment member ensures consistent securing of the tire component, and the cutter delivers accurate cuts. This mechanical substitution eliminates human variability in operation, improving manufacturing precision while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through the use of straightforward mechanical mechanisms.

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

3Productivity

If automated winding machine is used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot arm serves multiple functions: it positions the bobbin, holds the tire component during attachment, and facilitates the cutting operation. The attachment member not only secures the component to the bobbin but also positions it correctly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, improving productivity while limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4448260B1End-of-line winding for tire component
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)
  • EP4448260B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4448260B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4448260B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

An apparatus is provided that has a bobbin and a tire component. The apparatus also has a pivot arm that pivots about a pivot arm axis to move the bobbin from a ready position to a winding position and to an unloading position. The pivot arm rotates the bobbin to effect winding of the tire component onto the bobbin when the bobbin is located in the winding position. An attachment member is provided that effects attachment of the tire component to the bobbin. Further, a cutter is present that cuts the tire component.