Tire Cavity Sealing Agent Flow Control to Prevent Pump Cavitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The extraction of highly viscous sealing agent from a tank is complex and can lead to cavitation phenomena in the pumping device, especially when the amount reduces, making the application process difficult and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system with a collection tank having a cylindrical design and extractor devices, a level sensor, and a control unit to manage the pumping and heating of the sealing agent, ensuring consistent flow and preventing damage to the pumping device by varying the extraction rate and temperature based on the tank's content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pumping device is used to extract sealing agent from the tank, then the sealing agent can be delivered to the applicator device, but cavitation phenomena occur and the pumping device may be damaged when the amount of sealing agent reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring the sealing agent level in the tank and pre-adjusting the pump operation accordingly. When the level drops below a threshold, the control unit modifies pump parameters before cavitation can occur, preventing damage to the pumping device while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by using a level sensor to continuously monitor the sealing agent quantity in the tank. The control unit receives this feedback and adjusts the pump's extraction rate in real-time, reducing the risk of cavitation and ensuring reliable operation throughout the extraction process.
2Productivity
If the extraction rate is increased to improve productivity, then more sealing agent can be applied faster, but cavitation phenomena occur and the pumping device may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the pump's extraction rate adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically modifies the extraction rate based on the real-time level of sealing agent in the tank, allowing the system to maintain high productivity when the tank is full while reducing the rate to prevent cavitation and protect the pump when the level drops.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by modifying the pump's extraction rate according to the sealing agent level in the tank. When the level is high, the pump operates at higher rates for maximum productivity. When the level drops below a threshold, the control unit changes the parameter by reducing the extraction rate, preventing cavitation and ensuring pump reliability.
3Reliability
If the sealing agent viscosity is increased to ensure sealing action and stability, then sealing performance is improved, but extraction from the tank becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system addresses the viscosity issue by changing the temperature parameter of the sealing agent. The heating device raises the temperature of the sealing agent in the tank, which reduces its viscosity and makes extraction easier. This allows the system to maintain high-viscosity sealing agents for reliable sealing performance while facilitating smooth extraction through thermal parameter modification.
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
Ensures easy and complete extraction of the sealing agent, preventing damage to the pumping device and optimizing the application process, thereby reducing costs and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device arranged at the bottom of the collection tank and intended to increase the temperature of the sealing agent contained within the collection tank
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for applying a sealing agent to the inner surface (2) of a pneumatic tire (4) comprising a supply circuit (10) having a sealing agent collection device (11) comprising a tank (14); a sealing agent heating device (12); and a sealing agent supply device (13) implemented by means of a pumping device (17) that supplies the sealing agent to an applicator device (7), a piston (26), an extractor element (28) intended to withdraw the sealing agent and to supply it to the pumping device (17); a piston (26) position control device (30); and a level sensor (29) for detecting the quantity of sealing agent within the tank (14); wherein the passage of the control device (30) at the position of the level sensor (29) determines the beginning of depletion position of the tank (14) and a completely empty position of the tank (14) as a function whereof the extractor element (28) and heating element (12) are actuated.