Servo Transfer Device for Tire Carcass Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tire carcass building machines require operator intervention for core loading and carcass removal, limiting operator availability for other activities and causing idle times, as the process necessitates the operator's presence twice during tire construction.

Innovation Solution

A multi-axis, servomotor-controlled transfer device with a handling unit, featuring a core gripper and a carcass gripper, automates core loading and carcass removal by integrating these processes, utilizing a robot or XYZ adjustment unit with articulated arms to facilitate precise and rapid transfer movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If operator manually positions cores and removes carcass, then system complexity is reduced, but operator availability decreases and idle times increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecore loading and carcass removal automationVSAvoidtransfer device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device is designed to perform multiple functions: it transfers both cores and finished carcasses using the same mechanical structure. The handling unit with grippers can accommodate different object types, reducing the need for separate dedicated devices for core loading and carcass removal.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer device acts as an intermediary between the carcass building drum and the core centering device. It mediates the transfer operations by positioning cores onto the drum and removing finished carcasses, enabling automated operation without direct operator intervention at critical moments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If operator is tied to system for core loading and carcass removal, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity decreases due to operator unavailability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem productivityVSAvoidoperator availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs core loading and carcass removal operations autonomously through the automated transfer device. The handling unit with grippers automatically positions cores and removes carcasses without requiring operator intervention, allowing operators to engage in other value-added activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer device enables continuous operation by eliminating idle times when operators would otherwise be occupied with manual core loading and carcass removal. The automated system maintains continuous productivity flow without interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Loss of time

If free space is created by moving movable part away from winding drum, then operator can position cores and remove carcass, but system experiences standstill and increased cycle time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecycle timeVSAvoidoperator access to position cores
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device positions cores onto the carcass building drum in advance before the carcass building process begins. This preliminary core positioning eliminates the need to create free space during the building process, maintaining continuous operation and reducing cycle time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated transfer device rapidly performs core positioning and carcass removal operations, skipping the time-consuming manual processes. The quick transfer actions minimize interruption to the continuous carcass building process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentEP3441216B1Device for use during the construction of a tyre carcass of a radial tyre and method for manufacturing a carcass of a tyre
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP3441216B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3441216B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3441216B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Device for use during the assembly of a tire carcass (11) of a radial tire on a carcass building machine (1) of a tire assembly plant, which carcass building machine (1) has a stationary part (1a) with a winding drum (2) and a part (1b) movable in the axial direction of the winding drum (2) with a core centering device (3) for two cores (9) of the radial tire. The device has a multi-axis, servo-motor controlled transfer device (4) with a handling unit, which in combination and selectably includes a core gripper (6) for transferring the cores (9) from a core storage (8) to the core centering device (3) and a carcass gripper (7) for gripping and transferring the assembled tire carcass (11) from the winding drum (2) to a conveyor device (10).