Tire Sealant Cell Layout for Precise Inner Bead Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods and apparatus for applying a sealant layer to the inner surface of a tire are inadequate, necessitating improved efficiency and precision in the application process.
Innovation Solution
A tire sealant cell system comprising a tire handling robot, dispense robot, and application stands that work in conjunction to apply a sealant bead to the inner surface of tires, ensuring precise alignment and application of a semi-viscous sealant layer that binds to debris and seals punctures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated robot systems are used for sealant application, then productivity and consistency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a tire handling robot for positioning, a dispense robot for sealant application, and application stands for support. This segmentation allows each robot to be optimized independently while working together, improving overall productivity without requiring a single complex monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The application stands serve as intermediary structures that hold the tires during the sealing process. These stands mediate between the two robots and the tires, providing a stable platform for coordinated operation and reducing the complexity of direct robot-to-tire manipulation.
2Manufacturing precision
If dual robots are used for tire handling and sealant dispensing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sealing process into two independent tasks: tire handling/positioning and sealant dispensing. Each robot is specialized for its specific task, allowing for optimized precision in that function while keeping individual robot designs simpler compared to a single multi-functional robot.
Solution Approach 2:
Both robots are designed with universal capabilities to handle various tire sizes and configurations. The tire handling robot can position tires of different dimensions, and the dispense robot can adapt to different sealant application requirements, providing multi-functionality that justifies the added complexity through improved precision and flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are provided for applying a sealant layer to an inner surface of a tire. A first tire may be picked up with a tire handling robot and placed on a first sealant application stand. A sealant bead may be applied to the inner surface of the first tire by a dispense robot. A second tire may be picked up by the tire handling robot and placed on a second sealant application stand. A sealant bead may be applied to the inner surface of the second tire by the dispense robot. The first and second sealant application stands may be arranged adjacent to each other. The tire handling robot and the dispense robot may be located on opposite sides of the sealant application stands.