Tire Sidewall Drum Segmentation for Cycle Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle tire production methods are limited in realizing special tire constructions and are inefficient in terms of cycle time, as they require complex equipment and result in partial sidewall regions remaining attached to the sidewall drums.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of separate sidewall drums positioned on either side of the tire carcass, allowing for independent control and movement, enabling the attachment and detachment of sidewalls without occupying space on the carcass or shaping drum, and allowing for precise placement and turning up of sidewalls on the tire carcass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sidewalls are applied on the carcass drum together with the tire carcass, then the tire construction is conventional and limited, but special tire constructions cannot be realized and cycle time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The tire building process is segmented into separate operations: carcass construction on the carcass drum, followed by sidewall application on separate sidewall drums, and finally assembly on the shaping drum. This segmentation allows each component to be prepared independently and enables special tire constructions while optimizing the overall cycle time through parallel processing capabilities.
2Ease of manufacture
If a complex carcass drum construction is used for two-stage tire production, then the tire carcass can be built up separately, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tire building equipment is divided into separate functional units: a carcass drum for constructing the tire carcass, separate sidewall drums for applying sidewalls, and a shaping drum for final assembly. This segmentation replaces the need for a complex all-in-one carcass drum, reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sidewall drums act as intermediary devices that receive the tire carcass from the carcass drum, apply the sidewalls, and then transfer the completed structure to the shaping drum. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by distributing functions across multiple specialized components rather than requiring one complex device.
3Area of stationary object
If sidewalls are applied on the same drum as the tire carcass, then the equipment is compact, but partial sidewall regions remain attached to the drum causing production issues
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewall application function is separated from the carcass construction function by using dedicated sidewall drums. These drums are designed specifically for sidewall application and can be completely cleared of sidewall material after each operation, ensuring reliable detachment and eliminating the problems associated with mixed-use drums.
4Ease of operation
If sidewall drums are coupled to the carcass drum or shaping drum, then the equipment structure is integrated, but the sidewall drums occupy space and reduce operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewall drums are designed as dynamically positionable units that can move independently relative to the carcass drum and shaping drum. This dynamic arrangement allows the sidewall drums to occupy space only when needed for sidewall application, improving operational flexibility and control while minimizing space occupation during other phases of the tire building process.
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
Enables the production of special tire constructions where sidewalls can end over the tread regions and optimizes the overall cycle time by allowing for more flexible and efficient sidewall placement and detachment, reducing the risk of partial sidewalls remaining on the drums.
Implementation Method 1
expanding the first sidewall drum with the first sidewall, the first sidewall, which is lying against the first sidewall drum, being connected to the coaxially positioned tire carcass in the region of the first tire bead by way of the expansion movement
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a method for making a vehicle tire having a tire carcass defining an axial center, a first and a second tire bead, a tire belt and a tread. The carcass is completed on a carcass drum wherein the carcass drum is free of sidewalls. The tire carcass is removed from the carcass drum and moved to a transfer position for arranging sidewalls. The sidewalls are arranged on sidewall drums on sides of the carcass. The sidewall drums are moved in axial direction toward the axial center of the tire carcass. The sidewall drums with the sidewalls are expanded and connected to the tire carcass. Thereafter, the sidewall drums are collapsed and moved outward and the tire carcass is released for further transport. The carcass and the attached sidewalls are transferred to a shaping drum where the tire carcass with the sidewalls is shaped.