Tread Strip Extraction via Suction and Segmented Grippers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for extracting pre-cured tread strips from curing molds often result in mechanical stress and cracking due to deformation, rendering the strips unusable.
Innovation Solution
A curing station with an integrated extractor element that adheres to the tread strip via suction, allowing for extraction without deformation by lifting the entire strip in one piece, using a grabbing member with suction holes and a porous baffle to prevent rubber intrusion and ensure smooth extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a grabbing member is used to extract the cured tread strip from the curing mold, then the tread strip can be removed from the mold, but the tread strip folds over on itself with a small folding radius causing mechanical stress and cracks
Solution Approach 1:
The grabbing member is divided into multiple segments or fingers that can independently move and flex. This segmentation allows the grabbing member to adapt to the tread strip shape and extract it without forcing sharp folds, thereby preventing cracks while maintaining ease of extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The grabbing member is designed with curved surfaces and rounded edges that match the natural curvature of the tread strip. This curvature allows the grabbing member to engage and lift the tread strip smoothly without creating sharp bending points, thus preventing mechanical stress and cracks during extraction
2Ease of operation
If the grabbing member is raised upward to extract the tread strip, then the tread strip can be removed from the mold, but the extraction process is complex and requires special actuation devices
Solution Approach 1:
The grabbing member is designed to automatically engage with the tread strip through elastic deformation when the curing mold is opened. The elastic nature of the grabbing member allows it to self-adjust and grip the tread strip without requiring complex actuation mechanisms, simplifying the extraction process while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The grabbing member incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to change shape and adapt during the extraction process. This dynamic design enables the grabbing member to flex and conform to the tread strip, facilitating easy extraction without needing complex fixed mechanisms
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 solution prevents damage to the tread strips during extraction, ensuring they remain intact and usable, while being economically and easily implementable.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated extractor element that adheres to the tread strip via suction
Implementation Method 2
a porous baffle to prevent rubber intrusion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Station (7) and method of curing for a tread strip (2); provided are: a flat curing mold (9) which is composed of a lower shell (10) and an upper cover (11); and an extractor element (17) which is suitable for extracting the cured tread strip (2) from the lower shell (10) after the curing operation; the cured tread strip (2) has a first wall (13), which has a relief design and is in contact with the lower shell (10), and a second wall (14) which is opposite the first wall (13), and is in contact with the upper cover (11); the extractor element (17) is suitable for adhering to the second wall (14) of the tread strip (2) along the entire length of the second wall (14) itself; and the extractor element (17) is movable perpendicularly with respect to the second wall (14) of the tread strip (2) in order to simultaneously raise the whole tread strip (2) from the lower shell (10).