Swivel Block Winding System for Solid Tire Base Layer Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing production methods for solid tires are not efficient enough, particularly in automating the manufacturing of the bottom layer, which limits the precision and speed of the process.

Innovation Solution

A device with a swivel block and two winding drums, a winding system for the rubber under-core and top layers, and a laying unit for the core layer, allowing for automatic production of the bottom layer on separate winding drums, with the ability to pivot and move the wire feeder for optimal winding patterns and reinforcement distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual assembly methods are used to join rubber under-core layer and core assemblies, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but production efficiency is low and automation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidautomation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into modular functional units: a winding system for applying rubber under-core and top layers, a laying unit for applying core layers, and a swivel block with multiple winding drums. Each unit operates independently but coordinates through the swivel block, enabling automated production while maintaining manageable system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The swivel block with multiple winding drums serves multiple functions: it can be positioned to assign different drums to different operational positions, allowing the same physical structure to handle both rubber layer winding and core layer application, thereby increasing automation capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

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

2Productivity

If single winding drum configuration is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but production speed and efficiency are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction speedVSAvoidwinding drum configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single winding drum is segmented into multiple winding drums (at least two) arranged on a swivel block. This allows parallel processing where multiple layers can be wound and positioned simultaneously, increasing production speed while the modular swivel block design keeps the added complexity manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The swivel block can be pivoted to dynamically reassign winding drums between operational positions. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to optimize production speed by having multiple drums ready to serve different positions sequentially or in parallel, without requiring a permanently complex multi-position structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If fixed wire feeder position is used, then positioning simplicity is maintained, but winding pattern flexibility and core layer quality are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecore layer qualityVSAvoidwire feeder positioning system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wire feeder is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing movement in axial and radial directions relative to the winding drum. This enables the wire feeder to adapt its position for different winding patterns and core layer configurations, improving core layer quality through precise control while the guided motion paths keep the positioning system relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If sequential production of rubber layers and core layers is used, then process simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing time and production efficiency are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidproduction system integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The winding system for rubber layers and the laying unit for core layers are merged into a single integrated device through the swivel block mechanism. Both units can operate simultaneously on different winding drums, eliminating sequential production delays while the shared swivel block infrastructure keeps the integrated system manageable in complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous production by having multiple winding drums ready in advance. While one drum is being processed, another can be prepared with rubber under-core and top layers already applied, allowing the laying unit to immediately apply core layers without waiting for sequential completion, thereby maintaining continuous useful action and improving manufacturing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2616236B1Apparatus and method for producing a base layer of a solid tyre
Publication Date: 2015.11.11 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP2616236B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2616236B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing a base layer of solid tyre blanks, consisting of a radially inner rubber subcore layer (4), a central core layer (5) and a radially outer covering layer (6). The apparatus has a pivot block (7) with two winding drums (8, 9), a winding system (10) for feeding and depositing the rubber subcore layer (4) and the covering layer (6) on the winding drum (8, 9), a laying unit (11) with a wire support (12) for feeding and depositing the core layer (4) on the winding drum (8, 9), wherein the pivot block (7) with the two winding drums (8, 9) is arranged between the winding system (10) and the laying device (11) in such a way that, in a first position, the first winding drum (8) is assigned to the winding system (10) and the second winding drum (9) is assigned to the laying unit (11), and wherein the pivot block (7) can be pivoted about an axis (13) in such a way that, in a second position, the first winding drum (8) is assigned to the wire support (12) and the second winding drum (9) is assigned to the winding system (10).