Thread Embedding in Rubber Profiles Using Tension and Impulse

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for embedding reinforcing fibers in rubber components of vehicle tires often result in fiber buckling due to compression, especially with textile fibers, leading to inefficient orientation and mechanical properties not being fully realized.

Innovation Solution

A device with a continuous thread-feed mechanism, a moving support, a hollow needle, and a cutting mechanism that imparts a perpendicular impulse to the thread tail after cutting, allowing the thread to fold around the needle's edge and remain attached, preventing buckling and ensuring the thread runs under tension within the needle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If clamping means are used to push and hold the fibre in the needle, then the fibre can be implanted in a precise and controlled direction, but the fibre is placed under compression which causes it to buckle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefibre orientation precisionVSAvoidfibre structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of pushing the fibre from behind through clamping means, the invention inverts the approach by pulling the fibre through the needle using a pulling means positioned at the front end of the needle. This reversal of the force direction eliminates compression-induced buckling while maintaining precise orientation control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical clamping and pushing system with a pulling mechanism that draws the fibre through the needle. This substitution changes the fundamental mechanical interaction from compressive to tensile, preventing buckling while achieving the desired fibre orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If a puncturing means is used to pierce the profiled element, then some fibres can be oriented in the direction of piercing, but not all fibres are oriented in the desired direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefibre embedding efficiencyVSAvoidfibre orientation uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs a continuous fibre feed system that continuously supplies fibres to the moving needle, ensuring consistent and uniform fibre orientation throughout the embedding process. This continuous action replaces intermittent puncturing methods, achieving both high productivity and uniform orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a guiding duct system that acts as an intermediary between the fibre source and the needle. This duct guides and aligns fibres before they enter the needle, ensuring uniform orientation while maintaining efficient embedding productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the fibre runs freely inside the needle under compression, then the implantation process can be simple, but the fibre buckles in parts of its path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplantation system simplicityVSAvoidfibre path control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the force application method by pulling the fibre through the needle instead of pushing it. This reversal maintains system simplicity while preventing buckling, as the fibre remains under tension throughout its path within the needle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the mechanical parameter of fibre loading from compression to tension. By applying tensile force through the pulling means, the fibre maintains structural integrity and follows the needle path accurately without buckling, while the overall device remains simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8986477B2Device and method for embedding threads in a rubber profiled element

Publication Date: 2015.03.24 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

AI summary

Device for embedding a thread in a rubber profiled element comprising: a continuous thread feeder arranged on a structure, a moving support able to run along the structure between a raised and a lowered position. A hollow needle, comprising a canal in which the thread runs is fixed by one of its ends to the base of the moving support in the duct, and a tip at its other end capable of penetrating the rubber profiled element, a cutter arranged on the structure, comprising a rotary blade able to cut off the thread at a given distance from the tip of the needle upon each cycle of reciprocating movement of the needle. The cutter comprises a paddle arranged behind the cutting wire of the blade and intended to fold the tail around the tip of the needle just after the thread has been cut by the blade.