Tire Component Transfer Device With Side-By-Side Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire component transfer systems experience inefficiencies due to interruptions when switching between containers, leading to reduced operating efficiency and downtime in tire building processes.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device and method that allows for simultaneous or minimized interruption transfer of tire components by using a single take-out member to access both containers, with the containers positioned side-by-side and lifts to manage container height, enabling continuous operation without the need for extensive repositioning of the take-out member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single take-out member is used to access both containers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to interruptions during container exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent stations (first station and second station) positioned side-by-side. Each station has its own container that can be independently accessed by the single take-out member. This segmentation allows the take-out member to service one station while another station undergoes container exchange, eliminating interruptions and maintaining continuous productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second container is positioned and prepared at the second station in advance, ready for immediate access by the take-out member. While the first container is being emptied and exchanged, the second container is already in position, so the take-out member can seamlessly switch to accessing the second container without interruption. This preliminary positioning eliminates downtime.
2Loss of time
If containers are positioned side-by-side with a single take-out member, then the loss of time during container exchange is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to lateral movement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning containers one behind the other (requiring the take-out member to move forward and backward), the containers are positioned side-by-side in the lateral direction. The take-out member moves laterally between the first and second stations, reducing the distance and time required for switching between containers. This dimensional change optimizes the exchange process.
3Loss of time
If the take-out member reaches through the first station to access the second container, then the loss of time is reduced, but the object-generated harmful factors increase due to potential collisions
Solution Approach 1:
Both the first container and second container are positioned at the same lateral level, creating an equipotential working plane for the take-out member. The take-out member can access both containers without vertical or lateral elevation changes, allowing smooth lateral movement through the first station to reach the second container. This eliminates the need for complex positioning adjustments that could cause collisions.
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
This solution minimizes interruptions during container exchange, enhancing the efficiency of tire component transfer to the servicer by allowing continuous operation and reducing downtime, thus improving overall production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the first station and the second station are provided with a first lift and a second lift, respectively, for raising or lowering the first container and the second container, respectively, with respect to the take-out member
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a transfer device and a method for transferring a plurality of first tire components (91) from a first container (2) and a plurality of second tire components (92) from a second container (3) to a servicer (4), wherein the transfer device comprises a first station (S1) and a second station (S2) for receiving the first container and the second container, respectively, wherein the first station and the second station are arranged side-by-side in a lateral direction, wherein the transfer device further comprises a base (5) and a take-out member (6) that is mounted to said base and that is movable with respect to said base towards the first station and the second station for picking-up and taking-out one of the first tire components from the first container at said first station and for picking-up and taking-out one of the second tire components from the second container at said second station, respectively.