Transfer Ring Segment Layout for Thin Breaker Ply Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing transfer apparatuses for tire building drums face challenges in reliably transferring 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 in angular positions where the first ring segments are absent, which can alternate or supplement the first rolling device to provide additional support and maintain the circular shape of the plies during transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the center roller and two shoulder rollers are positioned at the top of the transfer ring, then stitching function is provided, but ring segments cannot be mounted at that angular position causing local interruption in circumferential distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer ring is designed with dynamically adjustable ring segments that can move radially between a retracted position and an extended position. This allows the ring segments to be present at angular positions where rollers are mounted, enabling both stitching function and continuous circumferential distribution of ring segments along the transfer ring.
2Device complexity
If relatively thin breaker plies are transferred without ring segments at roller locations, then device complexity is reduced, but the plies deform and behave unpredictably
Solution Approach 1:
The ring segments are designed to extend radially outward to contact and support thin breaker plies during transfer, and can retract to allow roller operation. This dynamic adjustment ensures reliable support for thin plies without requiring permanent structural additions that would increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring segments provide localized support precisely where needed - at angular positions including those where rollers are mounted. This local reinforcement ensures thin breaker plies maintain their shape during transfer without requiring global structural changes to the entire transfer apparatus.
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 enhances the reliability of transferring thin breaker plies by ensuring even and uniform holding, reducing deformation, and allowing for efficient switching between transfer and stitching operations.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of first ring segments are movable relative to the frame in a radial direction perpendicular to the central axis from a first radial distance to a second radial distance from the central axis that is smaller than the first radial distance
Implementation Method 2
a first rolling device that is positionable in a second angular position interposed between the plurality of first angular positions in the circumferential direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a transfer apparatus and a method for transferring plies onto a carcass package on a tire building drum, wherein the transfer apparatus comprises 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, wherein the transfer apparatus further comprises a first rolling device (4) that is positionable in a second angular position interposed between the first angular positions, wherein the transfer apparatus further comprises a second ring segment (6) that is positionable in the second angular position at the second radial distance from the central axis.