Tread Gripping Device with Movable Pricking Assemblies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated devices for handling tire treads lack modularity and safety, and are not capable of effectively gripping and transporting treads of different profiles without damaging them.
Innovation Solution
An automated device with a pricking module that includes a frame with movable and fixed pricking assemblies, featuring inflatable sleeves and thrust cylinders to maintain tension and adapt to various tread profiles, combined with a linear translation system for horizontal movement and a belt for transporting the tread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed pricking assembly is used to grip the tread, then the gripping force is stable, but the device cannot adapt to treads with different profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The pricking assembly incorporates movable plates that can adjust their position vertically along guide rails, transforming a fixed structure into a dynamic one. This allows the spikes to maintain optimal contact with treads of varying profiles while preserving gripping stability through controlled movement within defined ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables adjustment of the vertical position of pricking plates and the depth of spike penetration, allowing parameters such as gripping force distribution and contact point height to be changed according to different tread profiles, thus achieving both stability and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling of the tread is used, then flexibility in handling different profiles is maintained, but automation and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pricking assembly is designed to automatically adapt to different tread profiles through the self-adjusting capability of movable plates that respond to the tread's contour, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining handling flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
By incorporating movable components that can dynamically adjust to the tread profile, the system achieves automated adaptability, combining the flexibility of manual handling with the productivity of automation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the tread is gripped without tension, then the tread is not damaged, but the tread may retract and positioning precision is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies controlled tension by adjusting the vertical position of pricking plates and the engagement depth of spikes, creating just enough tension to prevent retraction and ensure positioning precision without exceeding the threshold that would cause tread damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The pricking assembly applies a partial tension - enough to maintain positioning precision and prevent retraction, but not excessive to cause damage. This controlled partial action optimizes the balance between positioning accuracy and tread integrity.
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 device effectively grips and transports tire treads under tension, preventing damage and accommodating different profiles, ensuring safe and efficient handling from cutting to laying, while maintaining tread tension.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inflatable sleeve, configured to be able to be supplied with compressed air so as to maintain tension on the tread
Implementation Method 2
at least two spikes projecting downward from said surface, said movable pricking assembly comprising: at least one pricking plate provided at its base with at least one flat horizontal contact surface from which at least two spikes project
Data Source
AI summary
The device comprises at least one module for stitching the tread and a means for moving the module vertically and horizontally. The stitching module comprises a frame which is provided with a fixed stitching assembly, equipped with spikes, and at least one mobile stitching assembly. The at least one mobile stitching assembly comprises at least one stitching plate provided at the base of same with at least one planar horizontal contact surface, from which at least two spikes protrude. The plate is arranged in a vertical guide space provided in the frame such that the spikes protrude downwards and such that it is free to move vertically in this space over a limited travel path. The device also includes a vertical movement device for moving the plate from the top downwards in this guide space and a device for locking the altitude position of the plate in this space.