Segmented Molding Drum Radial Tip-End Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the manufacturing of pneumatic tires, the tip end of a sheet-shaped rubber member can deviate on the surface of the molding drum, leading to defective tire production due to inconsistent adhesiveness. Existing solutions, such as drum clamps, complicate the structure and increase the size of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A molding drum design featuring a tip-end holding segment with two small segments that can change states, allowing the tip end of the sheet-shaped rubber member to be sandwiched between them without increasing the size of the drum. This design includes a first small segment that can move outward in a drum radial direction and a second small segment with a flexible portion to securely hold the tip end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drum clamp is provided on the outer side of the molding drum to prevent tip end deviation, then the reliability of tip end holding is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The molding drum is divided into multiple segments arranged in the circumferential direction, with at least one segment being a tip-end holding segment that can move radially outward to hold the tip end of the rubber member. This segmentation allows the drum to integrate holding functionality without requiring separate external clamps, thereby improving reliability while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tip-end holding function is merged into the drum structure itself by making one of the drum segments movable. This eliminates the need for separate drum clamps and integrates the holding mechanism directly into the drum, resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and device complexity increase
2Reliability
If a drum clamp is added to sandwich the tip end between the drum and clamp, then the tip end deviation is prevented, but the size of the entire apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tip-end holding segment is nested within the drum structure, moving radially outward from the drum's inner volume to perform the holding function. This nested arrangement allows the holding mechanism to be contained within the existing drum footprint, preventing tip end deviation without increasing the overall apparatus size
3Adaptability or versatility
If the first small segment is made flexible to face the second small segment, then the adaptability to different rubber member sizes is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Only a specific portion of the first small segment is made flexible to face the second small segment, while the rest of the segment maintains its structural integrity. This localized flexibility provides adaptability to different rubber member widths without requiring high precision manufacturing across the entire segment, as only the facing portion needs flexible properties
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 solution effectively prevents the deviation of the tip end of the sheet-shaped rubber member, ensuring the production of high-quality tires without increasing the size of the molding drum. The design can accommodate both narrow and wide sheet-shaped rubber members, providing reliable holding and preventing defects.
Implementation Method 1
the first small segment can take a first state in which an outer surface of the first small segment coincides with an outer surface of the second small segment, and a second state in which at least a portion of the first small segment is disposed outward of the second small segment in a drum radial direction
Implementation Method 2
a portion of the first small segment, which faces the outer surface of the second small segment when the first small segment takes the second state, is formed as a flexible portion
Data Source
AI summary
A molding drum is provided in which a sheet-shaped rubber member for a tire is wound around an outer circumferential surface having a cylindrical shape. A plurality of segments are arranged in a drum circumferential direction, and the outer circumferential surface of the molding drum is formed by outer surfaces of the segments coinciding with each other. At least one of the plurality of segments is a tip-end holding segment including at least a first small segment and a second small segment that serve as small segments arranged in the drum circumferential direction. The first small segment can take a first state in which an outer surface of the first small segment coincides with an outer surface of the second small segment, and a second state in which at least a portion of the first small segment is disposed outward of the second small segment in a drum radial direction.