Pneumatic Sensor for Tyre Extrusion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional processes for building tires face challenges in precisely detecting the output of a continuous elongate element from the extruder, leading to inefficiencies and maintenance issues due to the reliance on unreliable optical devices sensitive to environmental factors like fumes and dust.

Innovation Solution

A pneumatic sensor system with smaller, more robust nozzles is used to detect the output of the continuous elongate element, ensuring precise and reliable detection without interference from environmental conditions, allowing for optimal synchronization of the forming drum's rotation with the extrusion process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optical devices are used to detect the output of the continuous elongate element, then detection can be performed, but the reliability deteriorates due to sensitivity to environmental factors like fumes and dust

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidsensitivity to environmental factors
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical detection devices with a pneumatic sensor system that uses compressed air flows. The first nozzle emits a compressed air flow that is deflected by the continuous elongate element, and the second nozzle detects this deflection through pressure changes. This mechanical/pneumatic substitution eliminates sensitivity to optical environmental factors like fumes and dust, significantly improving detection reliability in the tyre building environment.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs pneumatic principles by using compressed air flows for detection. The system uses a first nozzle to emit compressed air, which is deflected by the presence of the continuous elongate element, and a second nozzle to detect the pressure changes resulting from this deflection. This pneumatic approach provides robust detection that is immune to optical interference from environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Measurement precision

If larger or more complex detection devices are used, then detection capability may improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoiddetection device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a simple pneumatic sensor arrangement with two nozzles and a pressure sensor, avoiding complex optical systems. The compressed air flow from the first nozzle is deflected by the elongate element, and the second nozzle detects this through pressure changes. This pneumatic approach achieves precise detection with minimal device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The compressed air flow acts as an intermediary between the elongate element and the detection system. Instead of directly measuring the elongate element's position or properties, the system uses the air flow as a mediator that interacts with the element and translates its presence into detectable pressure changes, simplifying the overall detection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the detection system is positioned closer to the extrusion point for better precision, then measurement precision improves, but the system becomes more vulnerable to external fluid flows

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput detection precisionVSAvoidinterference from external fluid flows
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a controlled compressed air flow from the first nozzle that is directed specifically at the expected position of the continuous elongate element. By using partial action (only the necessary air flow in the specific direction needed for detection), the system achieves precise detection close to the extrusion point without being overwhelmed by external fluid flows, as the air flow is sufficient for detection but not excessive to cause interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure sensor connected to the second nozzle provides continuous feedback about the position and presence of the continuous elongate element. This feedback allows the system to maintain optimal detection precision by adjusting to the element's position while the controlled air flow from the first nozzle ensures that external fluid flows do not interfere with the detection signal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution maintains efficient and precise operation over time, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and economic investment, while ensuring accurate detection of the elongate element's output and protecting the pressure measurement unit from external fluid flows.

Implementation Method 1

a second nozzle (32) spaced apart from said flow direction (A) and which is connected to a pressure measurement unit (33)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure measurement: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a first nozzle (31) which is connected to a supply of fluid (31a) and from which a fluid flow is discharged (31b) in a flow direction (A)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow deflection: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP2797737B1A process and an apparatus for building a tyre
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 PIRELLI TYRE SPA
  • EP2797737B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2797737B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2797737B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

A process for building a tyre comprises: - supplying a fluid flow through a first nozzle (31; 131) of a pneumatic sensor (30; 130) which is provided in the region of a head (23) of an extruder (20), the fluid flow being directed in a flow direction (A; B) which does not interfere with a second nozzle (32; 132) of the pneumatic sensor which is connected to a pressure measuring unit (33), - starting to extrude a continuous elongate element (21) through an opening (24) which is formed in the head of the extruder, - redirecting the fluid flow via the continuous elongate element (21) into the second nozzle of the pneumatic sensor, - detecting a variation in pressure in the second nozzle (32; 132), thereby determining the presence of the continuous elongate element (21) output from the opening, - after a predetermined time from the detection of the variation in pressure, causing a forming drum (2) to rotate about its own axis of rotation (X), - distributing the continuous elongate element over a radially external surface (3) of the forming drum (2).