Transfer Ring Support for Thin Breaker Ply Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing transfer apparatus for tire building drums struggles to reliably transfer thin breaker plies due to the absence of ring segments at the location of center and shoulder rollers, leading to deformation and unpredictable behavior of the plies.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a second ring segment positioned at a radial distance from the central axis, which can alternate or supplement the first rolling device, providing additional support and maintaining the circular shape of the plies during transfer, thereby improving reliability and reducing deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the transfer ring is equipped with center roller and shoulder rollers for stitching the breaker ply, then the stitching function is improved, but the ring segments cannot be mounted at those locations causing local interruption in the circumferential distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestitching functionVSAvoidholding of thin breaker plies

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The second ring segment is nested within the structural space occupied by the center roller and shoulder rollers. This allows the ring segment to coexist with the rolling devices at the same angular position, providing continuous circumferential support for thin breaker plies while preserving the stitching function. The nested configuration resolves the contradiction by eliminating the gap in ring segment distribution without interfering with the rolling devices' stitching operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the center roller is lowered to provide additional support to the breaker ply, then the support function is improved, but the cylindrical shape and free rolling nature actually increases unpredictable behavior of thin breaker ply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport to breaker plyVSAvoidcircular shape of thin breaker ply

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The second ring segment provides stable, fixed support at the location where the center roller operates, compensating for the instability introduced by the free-rolling center roller. While the center roller maintains its stitching function through free rolling, the second ring segment acts as a stationary support element that prevents unpredictable behavior and maintains the circular shape of thin breaker plies during the transfer process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If a second ring segment is added at the second angular position to support thin breaker plies, then the holding reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding of pliesVSAvoidtransfer apparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second ring segment is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides circumferential support for thin breaker plies, accommodates the center roller and shoulder rollers, and maintains the circular shape of the plies during transfer. By consolidating these functions into a single structural element, the invention improves holding reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The second ring segment ensures even and uniform holding of the plies, preventing deformation and enhancing the reliability of the transfer process, especially for thin breaker plies, by accommodating the first rolling device and allowing for precise positioning and movement without interference.

Implementation Method 1

a first rolling device that is positionable in a second angular position interposed between the plurality of first angular positions in the circumferential direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 2

The second ring segment can contact, engage and/or hold the one or more plies at the second angular position when transferring said one or more plies onto the carcass package on the tire building drum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11780187B2Transfer apparatus and method for transferring one or more plies onto a carcass package on a tire building drum

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 VMI HOLLAND BV

AI summary

Disclosed are to a transfer apparatus and a method for transferring plies onto a carcass package on a tire building drum. The transfer apparatus includes a transfer ring with first ring segments and a frame that extends in a circumferential direction about a central axis for holding the first ring segments in first angular positions distributed in the circumferential direction along the frame, wherein the first ring segments are movable relative to the frame in a radial direction from a first radial distance to a second radial distance from the central axis that is smaller than the first radial distance. The transfer apparatus further includes a first rolling device that is positionable in a second angular position interposed between the first angular positions, and a second ring segment that is positionable in the second angular position at the second radial distance from the central axis.