Rotary Tire Core Assembly Device with Height Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems lack the capability to automatically process both curved and flat separators and apexes of varying heights and shapes, necessitating separate systems for different tire types, which limits productivity and stability in core package production.

Innovation Solution

A device with a rotatably mounted plate featuring multiple processing stations, a height adjustment system, and a gripper drive system that can center and fix both flat and curved separators and bead cores, allowing for the production of core packages with apex heights up to 100 mm, including the use of base rings for precise alignment and centering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If separate systems are used for different tire types and apex heights, then manufacturing precision for specific configurations is maintained, but device complexity and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs a universal processing system that can handle multiple tire types and apex heights through adjustable base rings with different diameters and height adjustment mechanisms. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate systems while maintaining manufacturing precision through configurable processing stations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities including height adjustment systems for base plates and interchangeable base rings that can be changed according to the specific tire configuration. This dynamic adaptability allows the same equipment to maintain precision across different manufacturing scenarios without requiring multiple dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If manual insertion and removal of separators and bead cores is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and manufacturing precision are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidproduction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the processing function into multiple independent processing stations arranged on a rotatable plate, with each station capable of automatically performing specific operations on separators and bead cores. This segmentation enables parallel processing and automation while keeping individual station designs relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automatic centering and positioning mechanisms that self-adjust to accommodate different separator and bead core configurations. The height adjustment systems and gripper drives enable automatic handling without requiring complex manual intervention, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining reasonable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If base rings of different diameters are used, then adaptability to different tire sizes is improved, but device complexity and operation time are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetire size adaptabilityVSAvoidchangeover time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures multiple base rings with different diameters ready for quick exchange. The height adjustment systems are pre-programmed with position data for different tire sizes, allowing rapid reconfiguration without time-consuming measurements or complex setup procedures. This preliminary preparation minimizes changeover time while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If automated apex application is used for curved apexes, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision and stability are worsened due to tensile stresses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction speedVSAvoidapex alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces separators as intermediary elements that play a crucial role in stabilizing curved apexes during automated application. The separators act as mediators between the apex and the bead core, distributing stresses evenly and preventing excessive tensile stress concentration. This intermediary approach enables automated processing while maintaining manufacturing precision and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3034287B1Device for the production of core assemblies for vehicle tyres
Publication Date: 2017.11.15 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP3034287B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3034287B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3034287B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for the fully automatic production of core packages consisting of a bead core (45) and a vertical or curved apex (43) for vehicle pneumatic tires, with or without a separator (44), comprising: - a rotatably mounted plate (3), - at least two processing stations (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) arranged on the plate (3), which can be aligned to different process units by stepwise rotation of the plate (3), - wherein each processing station (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) has a base plate (17) and a gripping device (26) for centering the bead core (45) and the apex (43) and optionally the separator (44), - wherein a base ring (23) can be fixed to the base plate (17), wherein base rings (23) of different diameters can be fixed, - wherein each processing station (5, 6, 7, 8,9) comprises a height adjustment system for vertical adjustment of the base plate (17) relative to the plate (3) and a gripper drive system (11) for actuating the gripping device (26).