Tyre Ply Cutting Using Gripper Support to Reduce Structural Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for cutting semi-finished products to produce tyres with high transverse curvature are inflexible and require significant structural complexity, making them poorly adapted to modern production needs, especially when dealing with varying cord orientations and requiring frequent adjustments of support plates.
Innovation Solution
A cutting process and apparatus that supports the semi-finished product from above using a grip action, allowing the blade to translate freely along different angles without additional support members, facilitating the cutting of tyres with cords oriented between 55° and 90°, and enabling the processing of both radial and crossed plies with simplified setup and reduced deformation risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If support plates are used to support the semi-finished product during cutting, then the product is stable during cutting, but the structural complexity increases and operational flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the support plates from the cutting system entirely. Instead of supporting the semi-finished product from below during cutting, the system allows the product to be supported only by the gripper mechanism from above, eliminating the complex support plate structure and its associated adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of supporting the semi-finished product from below using support plates, the invention inverts the approach by supporting it from above using a gripper mechanism. This inversion eliminates the need for support plates and enables flexible positioning for different cord orientations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If support plates are used to accommodate different cord orientations, then various tyre designs can be processed, but the setup time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing it to position the semi-finished product at different angles and orientations. This dynamic capability enables processing of various cord orientations (55° to 90°) without requiring physical reconfiguration of support plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The single gripper mechanism serves multiple functions: it holds the semi-finished product, positions it at different orientations, and accommodates various cord angles. This universal tool replaces the need for multiple support plate configurations, reducing setup time while maintaining versatility.
3Manufacturing precision
If large support plates are used to prevent deformation, then processing precision is maintained, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the large support plates entirely from the system. Instead of using extensive plate structures to prevent deformation, it relies on the controlled gripper mechanism to hold and position the semi-finished product, achieving precision without the complex plate structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical support plate system is replaced with a controlled gripper mechanism that uses suction or mechanical grip forces to hold the product. This substitution maintains processing precision through active control rather than passive mechanical support.
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 enhances operational flexibility, reduces structural complexity, and improves processing precision by eliminating the need for large support plates, allowing for efficient cutting of tyres with diverse design characteristics and sizes, while minimizing deformation and setup time.
Implementation Method 1
The action of cutting comprises translating the at least one blade along the cutting line, through the semi-finished product supported by said grip action
Implementation Method 2
The action of cutting comprises supporting the semi-finished product by a grip action applied on an upper surface of the semi-finished product
Data Source
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AI summary
A continuous semi-finished product (12), comprising cords parallel to each other, is fed towards a cutting station and transversely cut, along a cutting line (T) parallel to the extension of the cords, in order to obtain a strip section (13). The strip section is circumferentially wound on a forming drum (D) in order to obtain a ply (3) or another annular component of a tyre (2). In order to execute the cutting, the semi-finished product (12) is positioned below a pair of blades (21) that can be moved in opposite directions, with a lower surface (12b) in abutment against a slide plate (22). The blades (21) perforate the semi-finished product in a central zone thereof and, upon lowering the slide plate, translate in opposite directions along the cutting line (T), through the semi-finished product (12) supported by a grip action applied on an upper surface (12a) thereof by suction nozzles (26) carried by grip plates (25).