Tire Building Drum Solid Deck Surface for Motorcycle Tires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire building drums are complex and costly, particularly when constructing small diameter tires like 16-17 inch motorcycle tires, due to limited space for mechanical components and the need for precise building surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A tire building drum with a shaft housing, axially moveable and radially expandable bead locks, and a center radially expandable building deck assembly featuring two sets of deck plates that form a solid 360-degree surface, allowing for precise shaping and support of small diameter tire carcasses, with a quick release mechanism for easy plate replacement for different tire sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single drum assembly is used to hold the tire carcass vertically, then the tire building process can be simplified, but the complexity and cost of the machine increases significantly due to special clamping mechanisms required
Solution Approach 1:
The building drum is divided into two separate drum assemblies: a first drum for carcass assembly and a second drum for belt and tread application. This segmentation allows each drum to perform its specific function without requiring complex integrated clamping mechanisms, thereby reducing overall machine complexity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a second stage tire building drum is designed for small diameter tires (16-17 inches), then precise building capability is achieved, but the space available for mechanical components is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The deck plates are designed to nest within each other when retracted, with smaller deck plates fitting inside larger ones. This nesting arrangement minimizes the radial space required for the deck assembly while still providing the capability to form different tire diameters, thereby accommodating precision building requirements within limited space constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The deck plates are made radially movable between retracted and extended positions. When extended, they provide the necessary solid building surface for precise tire construction; when retracted, they minimize the space occupied by mechanical components. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its volume based on operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If deck plates are made radially expandable and retractable, then the building surface can be adjusted for different tire sizes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radially movable deck plates serve multiple functions: they form the solid building surface for tire construction, provide adjustable support for different tire diameters and bead widths, and can be retracted to minimize space when not in use. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The deck assembly is segmented into multiple individual deck plates that can move independently or in coordinated groups. This segmentation allows for flexible configuration to accommodate different tire sizes while using a standardized mechanism for each plate, reducing overall system complexity compared to a monolithic design.
4Manufacturing precision
If a solid 360-degree building surface is formed by abutting deck plates, then superior tire quality is achieved, but the space required for component accommodation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deck plates are designed to extend radially outward to form the solid 360-degree building surface only when needed for tire construction. When retracted, they minimize the occupied space. This dynamic extension and retraction capability allows the system to provide a large building surface area during operation while maintaining a compact footprint when idle.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotatable tire building drum comprising a pair of axially and radially moveable bead locks (20) and a radially expandable center building deck assembly (40) is disclosed. The center building deck assembly (40) is configured for forming a 360 degree solid deck surface when radially expanded. The building drum (10) is particularly useful for building motorcycle tires.