Tyre Belt Presser Segmentation for Adhesion Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing tyre reinforcing structures using strip-like elements often result in unevenness and insufficient adhesion, particularly at the ends of the elements, due to difficulties in controlling the laying process and maintaining contact with the toroidal support, especially with high-camber outlines.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus divides the presser element into two independent parts, with a guide element having a C-shaped conformation and spring-actuated prongs to maintain contact over the whole width of the strip-like element, ensuring accurate laying and adhesion by using two second presser elements downstream to secure the strip-like element along its entire width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single presser element is used to lay strip-like elements on the toroidal support, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to uneven contact and adhesion, particularly at the ends of the elements
Solution Approach 1:
The presser element is divided into two independent parts: a first presser element that applies pressure at the central portion of the strip-like element, and a second presser element that applies pressure at the end portions. This segmentation allows each presser element to independently contact and adhere to the toroidal support, ensuring uniform adhesion across the entire width of the strip-like element and eliminating unevenness at the ends.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the presser element is positioned far from the toroidal support to accommodate high-camber outlines, then the adaptability to different tyre shapes is improved, but the adhesion deteriorates due to insufficient contact pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing action is localized to specific regions: the first presser element locally presses the central portion of the strip-like element against the toroidal support, while the second presser element locally presses the end portions. This localized pressing ensures adequate contact pressure at critical adhesion points without requiring the entire presser element to be in close proximity to the toroidal support, thereby maintaining adaptability to high-camber outlines while ensuring reliable adhesion.
3Device complexity
If the strip-like element is pressed at only the central portion, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to unevenness at the ends of the elements
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing function is segmented into two independent pressing actions: one at the central portion and another at the end portions. This segmentation ensures that both the central and end regions of the strip-like element receive adequate pressing force and adhesion to the toroidal support, eliminating unevenness at the ends while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
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 approach ensures high structural evenness and improved adhesion of the strip-like elements across the toroidal support, preventing unevenness and enhancing the overall quality of the reinforcing structure.
Implementation Method 1
said spring means being operative to maintain said at least one prong in contrast relationship with the toroidal support
Data Source
AI summary
In tire manufacture, a belt structure is made by means of strip-like segments each including parallel cords incorporated into an elastomeric layer, which strip-like segments are sequentially laid down in mutual circumferential side by side relationship on a toroidal support. The apparatus for manufacturing such a reinforcing structure for vehicle tires includes: a feeding unit to supply strip-like elements, each including threadlike elements disposed parallel to each other and at least partly coated with at least one layer of elastomeric material; a laying unit including at least one laying assembly to apply each of said strip-like elements onto a toroidal support according to a predetermined laying angle relative to a circumferential extension direction of the toroidal support itself, the laying unit including at least one presser element movable in contrast relationship against the outer surface of the toroidal support and at least one guide element to keep the strip-like element centered and guide it during laying of same, wherein the guide element includes at least one cavity in which the presser element is at least partly housed during laying of said strip-like element.