Radial Jaw Mechanism for Tire Bead Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transferring and placing tire beads are inefficient and lack accuracy, particularly in handling spacers, which can lead to deformation of beads during the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
The method employs spacer engagement jaws arranged at equal angular distances, driven radially, with balancing pins and a conical surface design to minimize bead deformation, allowing for precise and efficient transfer of beads and spacers using a common transfer mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drawing means are used to pick up and retain spacers by vacuum or magnetic force, then spacers can be handled, but the method becomes complex and less accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex vacuum or magnetic drawing means with a simple mechanical engagement jaw system. The engagement jaws use pure mechanical contact and geometric constraints to grasp spacers, eliminating the need for vacuum generation or magnetic field generation, thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of spacer retention from the complex drawing means system and implements it through a dedicated engagement jaw mechanism with specific geometric features. This separation allows the engagement jaws to focus solely on mechanical grasping without the complexity of vacuum or magnetic systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If engagement jaws are driven or withdrawn radially, then accuracy is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces radial movement as a new dimension of operation for the engagement jaws, allowing them to move perpendicular to the circumferential direction. This radial degree of freedom enables precise control over jaw engagement and withdrawal, improving bead placement accuracy while the compact design keeps the overall mechanism manageable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spacers are handled with multiple movable parts, then flexibility is improved, but the method becomes less easy to carry out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spacer handling function into distinct segments: the engagement jaws for grasping, the radial drive mechanism for movement, and the geometric constraints for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, maintaining flexibility in handling while simplifying the overall implementation through modular design.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for transferring and placing beads (12) for tyres, providing: - a bead storage unit in which a number of beads are vertically stacked placing spacers (13) in between them, a collection unit (15) for empty spacers, placed in the vicinity of the bead storage unit, - a tyre building machine (17) for receiving the beads thereon, - a bead retaining means (33) for picking up and retaining a bead, wherein the bead retaining means is provided with engagement jaws (33) that are arranged at equal angular distance in a circumferential direction on the bead retaining means, wherein the engagement jaws are driven or withdrawn in radial direction, - a spacer retaining means (34) for picking up and retaining a spacer (13), and - arranging the bead retaining means (33) and the spacer retaining means on a common transfer means (23). The spacer retaining means is provided with at least two spacer engagement jaws (38) that are arranged at equal angular distance in a circumferential direction on the spacer retaining means, wherein the spacer engagement jaws are driven or withdrawn in radial direction.