Segmented Support Table for Tire Core Package Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing core packages from bead cores and apex profiles in tire production are labor-intensive, ergonomically challenging, and require manual adjustments, leading to variability in product quality and quantity, especially when dealing with different tire dimensions and shapes.

Innovation Solution

A device with a radially adjustable support table and a receptacle for the separator allows for the centering and fixing of the bead core, followed by the tangential feeding and rolling of the apex profile onto the bead core, with the ability to transfer the composite to a separator for shaping, enabling high automation and flexibility in producing core packages of various dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual insertion and removal of core profiles is used, then flexibility in handling different tire types is maintained, but workplace ergonomics deteriorate severely due to short machine cycle time and sticky material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in handling different tire typesVSAvoidworkplace ergonomics
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic feeding of apex profiles through the feeding device, eliminating the need for manual insertion and removal. The machine performs the operation autonomously within the short cycle time, allowing operators to focus on higher-value tasks while maintaining flexibility through programmable control for different tire types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations are replaced by an automated system comprising feeding device, support table, clamping jaws, and rolling/cutting device. This substitution eliminates direct human contact with sticky material during critical operations, dramatically improving ergonomics while maintaining adaptability through controlled automation.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of the process is performed, then adaptability to different product requirements is achieved, but product quality and quantity become directly dependent on the machine operator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different product requirementsVSAvoidproduct quality consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system incorporates control mechanisms that monitor and adjust parameters during operation. By replacing manual adjustment with automated feedback control, the system maintains consistent product quality across different tire types while preserving adaptability through programmable settings for various product requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed as a universal system capable of handling different tire types and apex profile configurations through programmable control. This multi-functionality eliminates dependence on individual operator skills while maintaining adaptability, as the same automated system can be reconfigured for different products without manual intervention.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If the support table remains closed during separator insertion, then clamping stability is maintained, but the separator cannot be accessed for placement under the core package

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping stabilityVSAvoidseparator accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support table is divided into segmented elements that can move independently. This segmentation allows the table to open sufficiently for separator insertion while maintaining clamping stability through coordinated movement of individual segments. The segmented design enables selective access without compromising the overall clamping structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support table transitions from a static closed position to a dynamic open position during separator insertion, then returns to closed position for clamping. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain clamping stability when needed while providing separator accessibility during insertion operations, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the bead core is released from clamping for separator placement, then the separator can be positioned, but the bead core loses its centered position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparator placement capabilityVSAvoidbead core centering accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support table segments enable localized access for separator placement while the clamping jaws maintain their grip on the bead core. This segmentation allows the separator to be positioned without releasing the bead core from clamping, thereby preserving both ease of operation and manufacturing precision simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable support table segments act as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates separator placement without requiring release of the bead core clamping. This intermediary structure enables the separator to be inserted while the bead core remains securely held and centered, eliminating the need to choose between ease of operation and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach minimizes work steps, increases accuracy, and allows for the production of core packages with high precision and flexibility across a wide range of tire dimensions, improving ergonomics and product quality by maintaining continuous clamping and centering of the core profile during the process.

Implementation Method 1

During the production of the core package, the apex profile is rolled along the surface of the separator to give the apex profile the desired curvature and contouring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 2

a support table with radially adjustable clamping jaws for centering and fixing the bead core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical clamping: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

a lifting device is provided for lowering the clamping jaws in such a way that the bead core fixed to the clamping jaws can be placed together with the apex profile onto a separator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical lifting: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4086070B1Device and method for the production of core packages for pneumatic vehicle tyres
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP4086070B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4086070B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4086070B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for producing core packages from a bead core (7) and a vertical or curved apex profile for vehicle pneumatic tires, comprising a feeding device for feeding the apex profile to a support table (1) with radially adjustable clamping jaws (2) for centering and fixing the bead core (7), a receptacle (3) for a separator (30), and a rolling and cutting device (4) for the fed apex profile, wherein the receptacle (3) for the separator (30) is arranged below the support table (1), and the support table (1) together with the receptacle (3) is rotatable about a rotation axis (A) extending perpendicularly through the support table (1), wherein the receiving table (1) comprises several segments (10) which extend from an adjacent position forming the support table (1) to a distant position.The receptacle (3) for the separator (30) are movable and a lifting device (6) is provided for lowering the clamping jaws (2) such that the bead core (7) fixed to the clamping jaws (2) can be placed together with the apex profile onto a separator (30) held in the receptacle (3).