Removable Insert Rings for Wear-Resistant Clamp Ring Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Clamp ring assemblies in tire fabrication experience wear and failure due to repeated bolt insertion and removal, leading to premature disposal and increased costs, as attempts to extend their life through welding and re-tapping have been ineffective.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of removable and replaceable insert rings for upper and lower clamp rings, which eliminates the need for re-tapping by using both threaded and non-threaded openings in corresponding bolt patterns, allowing for rotational alignment and extended use without interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If clamp rings are used repeatedly for tire fabrication, then productivity is improved through continuous operation, but the threading on the openings experiences wear and failure, reducing the duration of action of the clamp ring assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous tire fabrication operationVSAvoidusable life of clamp ring assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp ring assembly is segmented into two functional components: the clamp ring body (which maintains structural integrity) and the insert rings (which contain the threaded openings). This segmentation allows the insert rings to be replaced independently when their threading wears out, extending the overall duration of action of the clamp ring assembly without replacing the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert rings are designed to be removable and replaceable when their threaded openings become worn or stripped. By discarding only the worn insert rings rather than the entire clamp ring assembly, the system recovers and reuses the durable clamp ring body, thereby extending the usable life and reducing waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Duration of action of stationary object

If welding is performed to create new threaded openings in clamp rings, then the duration of action is extended, but the hardness of the clamp rings increases, making proper tapping difficult or impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusable life of clamp ring assemblyVSAvoidability to re-tap openings

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The threading function is separated from the clamp ring body and placed in removable insert rings. This allows the insert rings to be replaced when threading wears, eliminating the need to re-tap the hardened clamp ring body after welding, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while extending duration of action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert rings are designed as disposable or replaceable components that can be economically replaced rather than repaired. This approach is more cost-effective than attempting to re-tap hardened clamp rings after welding, as the insert rings can be manufactured at lower cost and replaced quickly without complex re-tapping operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Strength

If threaded openings are used in clamp rings for bolt connection, then the tire can be securely fastened, but repeated insertion and removal of bolts causes wear and stripping of the threading, leading to failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fastening of tireVSAvoidthreading integrity after repeated use

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The insert rings containing the threaded openings are designed to be replaced when their threading becomes worn or stripped from repeated bolt insertion and removal. This allows the clamp ring assembly to maintain reliable secure fastening capability by replacing only the worn insert rings rather than the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The threading function is isolated in separate insert rings that can be independently replaced when their threading integrity deteriorates. This segmentation protects the main clamp ring structure while allowing easy replacement of the wear-prone threaded components, maintaining both strength and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20230158828A1Clamp Ring Assembly Including Removable Insert Rings For Use In Tire Fabrication

Publication Date: 2023.05.25 GORRELL CHRISTOPHER M

AI summary

A clamp ring assembly is disclosed for use during tire fabrication, which includes: a first clamp ring that defines a first channel and which includes a plurality of first openings that are located within the first channel; a first insert ring that is configured for removable positioning within the first channel and which includes a plurality of second openings; a second clamp ring that defines a second channel and which includes a plurality of third openings that are located within the second channel; and a second insert ring that is configured for removable positioning within the second channel and which includes a plurality of fourth openings.