Tire Conveyor With Stationary Corrugated Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor systems for retreading tires are complex, costly, and require frequent maintenance, with existing solutions using complex gripping mechanisms that can damage the tire components and fail to securely handle them.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a stationary support surface featuring corrugations that contact less than 75% of the tire's surface area, combined with manipulators that use a comb-like run-on surface and clamping units to securely lift and position the tire components, reducing friction and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smooth support surface is used to reduce friction, then the tire component can slide easily, but dust and particles accumulate on the surface requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is provided with a surface structure (corrugations) that creates localized contact points rather than continuous contact. This allows the surface to maintain low friction where contact occurs while the non-contact areas prevent dust and particle accumulation, reducing maintenance requirements
2Device complexity
If a stationary support surface is used to reduce complexity, then maintenance is reduced, but the tire component is difficult to pick up for handling
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator uses multiple pins that contact the tire component at discrete points rather than a continuous gripping surface. This segmentation allows the manipulator to securely hold the tire component for handling while keeping the overall system simple and maintenance-free
3Ease of operation
If pins are used to grip the tire component, then the component can be moved, but the pins damage the tire and do not securely hold it
Solution Approach 1:
The pins are rounded at their contact points rather than having sharp edges. This curvature allows the pins to grip the tire component effectively for movement while preventing damage to the tire surface, and the rounded design helps secure the component better
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces the complexity, cost, and maintenance requirements of tire component conveyance while securely handling and positioning tires, enhancing the efficiency of the retreading process by minimizing friction and preventing damage.
Implementation Method 1
the support surface is provided with a surface structure that is arranged to contact seventy-five percent or less than seventy-five percent of the downwardly facing surface area of the tire component
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a conveyor for conveying a tire component, in particular a tread for retreading, wherein the conveyor includes a support surface that extends in a direction of conveyance to support the tire component during conveyance in the direction of conveyance, wherein the support surface is provided with a surface structure that is arranged to contact seventy-five percent or less than seventy-five percent of the downwardly facing surface area of the tire component, wherein the support surface is arranged to be held stationary during conveyance of the tire component and wherein the conveyor is provided with one or more manipulators to manipulate the position of the tire component on the stationary support surface by sliding the tire component over the stationary support surface.