Automated Adhesive Tape Application for Self-Sealing Tire Carcass Sleeves
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for building self-sealing tires require manual application of adhesive tape for the self-sealing layer, which introduces safety concerns and inefficiencies, particularly due to the need for operators to handle the carcass sleeve during processing, leading to increased cycle times and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
An automated system using a robotic arm or manipulator to apply the adhesive tape directly to the carcass sleeve while it is being transferred, exploiting wait times during the tire building process, ensuring precise application without manual intervention and maintaining production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual application of adhesive tape is used for the self-sealing layer, then the process allows flexible handling and adjustment, but safety concerns increase and cycle times are extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing transfer device and wait times in the tire building process to automatically apply adhesive tape to the carcass sleeve, eliminating the need for separate manual intervention. The process serves itself by utilizing already-present equipment and time intervals, thereby improving safety and cycle time consistency while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated application system that uses the transfer device's existing motion and positioning capabilities to apply adhesive tape automatically, substituting human-operated mechanical processes with an automated control system that enhances reliability and safety
2Manufacturing precision
If operators handle the carcass sleeve during processing, then manual adjustment and quality control are possible, but production efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The automated application system incorporates control mechanisms that monitor and adjust the adhesive tape application process, providing feedback-based quality control that replaces manual inspection and adjustment, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while eliminating the productivity loss associated with operator handling
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs quality control and positioning functions automatically through the transfer device and application mechanism, enabling the process to self-regulate without operator intervention, thus maintaining precision while improving production efficiency
3Reliability
If automated adhesive tape application is implemented, then safety and repeatability are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing transfer device, which already performs multiple functions in the tire building process, to also execute the adhesive tape application. By making the transfer device multi-functional, the system achieves automation and improved reliability without adding separate complex equipment, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
4Loss of time
If adhesive tape application is performed during transfer wait times, then cycle times are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares and positions the adhesive tape application mechanism in advance during the transfer wait time, performing the application action preliminarily before the carcass sleeve enters the assembly station. This preliminary action utilizes otherwise wasted time without compromising precision, as the application is executed under controlled conditions during the natural pause in the process
Data Source
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AI summary
A carcass sleeve (16) is formed on a building drum (15), comprising at least one carcass ply having axially outer edges engaged with respective annular reinforcing structures. On a radially inner surface (11) of the carcass sleeve (16), a self-sealing layer (12) is applied having end flaps mutually joined along an axially extending junction line (L). A transfer device (19) removes the carcass sleeve (16) from the building drum (15). At least one piece (24) of adhesive tape is applied along said junction line (L) by means of a manipulator (23) which picks up the piece (24) from a support (25) in order to transfer it to the carcass sleeve (16) and apply it on the junction line (L). During the application of the piece (24), the carcass sleeve (16) is retained by the transfer device (19) used to remove the carcass sleeve (16) from the building drum (15).