Curing mold assembly for non-pneumatic tire and method of manufacturing

Abstract

A mold assembly for curing a non-pneumatic tire includes a first mold section and a second mold section that are axially displaceable relative to each other. A primary conductive heat source is thermally connected to the mold sections. A radiant heat source is supported on the first mold section, and another radiant heat source is supported on the second mold section. A non-pneumatic tire is positioned with the mold assembly between the radiant heat sources. Also included are tire curing systems and methods of manufacturing non-pneumatic tires that include such a mold assembly.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The disclosed subject matter relates broadly to the field of vehicle tire manufacturing and, more particularly, to mold assemblies for curing non-pneumatic tires and methods of manufacturing non-pneumatic tires using such mold assemblies.

[0002] The subject matter of the present disclosure may be particularly applied and used in conjunction with wheeled vehicles, and will be shown and described herein with reference thereto. However, it should be understood that the subject matter of the present disclosure may also be used in other applications and environments, and the specific uses shown and described herein are merely exemplary.

[0003] Conventional pneumatic tires include a tire casing having a tread formed on or along an exterior thereof that is configured to engage a road or other ground surface. The tire casing includes an annular body formed of a plurality of layers and / or cords (e.g., radial cords, belt cords), the annular body having opposing sidewalls extending radially inwardly from a shoulder portion along the annular body to a bead forming a radially inward extent of the sidewalls. The inner surface of the annular body and the opposing sidewalls are covered by an inner liner that defines a tire chamber of the pneumatic tire.

[0004] In conventional tire manufacturing processes, "raw" or other forms of uncured tire carcasses and tread components are loaded into a mold assembly on a tire curing machine. The mold assembly includes a plurality of die segments having an inner surface portion, the inner surface portion including a section of tread pattern. The mold assembly is closed by a tire curing machine, which positions the die segments to abut against and engage with the tread material of the uncured tire assembly. The tire curing machine also includes a curing bladder positioned inside the mold assembly so that the uncured tire assembly is spaced outwardly from the curing bladder in the unexpanded state of the curing bladder. During the curing process, the curing bladder is expanded so that the curing bladder extends into the tire chamber of the uncured tire assembly, abutting against and engaging with the inner liner. When under pressure from the mold assembly and the expanded curing bladder, the tire curing machine introduces heat into the uncured tire assembly, which cures or otherwise crosslinks the uncured tire material to form a finished tire.

[0005] The manufacturing processes of so-called non-pneumatic tires differ from those typically associated with conventional pneumatic tires, at least in that some non-pneumatic tires include a relatively rigid rim or other annular structure over or around which at least a portion of the tire tread extends. In many cases, the rim or other annular structure may be formed of a material (e.g., metal) having material properties (e.g., specific heat, thermal conductivity, thermal expansion) that are substantially different from one or more other materials of the non-pneumatic tire (such as, for example, elastomeric materials and / or adhesives). In such cases, the elastomeric and / or adhesive materials may undergo a vulcanization or other curing process that introduces heat and / or pressure into the "green" or otherwise uncured tire material.

[0006] It has been recognized that there are certain challenges to uniformly heating a combination of materials during such vulcanization or other curing processes. For example, heating a "green" or otherwise uncured non-pneumatic tire component too quickly or too slowly may result in some portions of the non-pneumatic tire component being over-cured while other portions of the same non-pneumatic tire component remain under-cured. In some cases, attempts may have been made to address this problem by introducing heat from opposite directions (e.g., from a radially inward direction and a radially outward direction) during otherwise conventional curing processes. However, such efforts do not appear to take into account the mass and / or geometry of any relatively rigid rim or other annular structure that is integrated into the non-pneumatic tire.

[0007] Therefore, it is believed desirable to develop mold assemblies and manufacturing methods that may help overcome the aforementioned and / or other problems and / or disadvantages of the known art, and / or otherwise advance the manufacture of non-pneumatic tires. Summary of the invention

[0008] One example of a method of manufacturing a non-pneumatic tire according to the subject matter of the present disclosure may include providing a first mold segment. The first mold segment may include an inner side surface portion that at least partially defines a first mold cavity portion. The first mold segment may be thermally coupled to a first heat source and may include a second heat source that can operate independently of the first heat source. The second heat source may be disposed within the first mold cavity portion and spaced inwardly from the inner side surface portion such that an annular gap is disposed therebetween. The method may also include providing an uncured non-pneumatic tire having an axis of rotation and including a rim having an amount of uncured material disposed about the rim. The rim may include an annular wall portion extending peripherally about the axis of rotation and a flange wall portion extending radially inwardly from the annular wall portion. The amount of uncured material may be disposed radially outside of the annular wall portion. The flange wall portion may be oriented transversely to the axis of rotation and may include a first flange side and a second flange side. The method may also include positioning the uncured non-pneumatic tire along the first mold section so that at least a portion of the annular wall portion of the rim and at least a portion of the amount of uncured material are disposed within the annular gap. In such an arrangement, the first flange side of the flange wall portion may face the second heat source, and the second flange side of the flange wall portion may face away from the second heat source. The method may also include providing a second mold section including a third heat source capable of operating independently of at least the first heat source. The method may also include positioning the second mold section across the first mold cavity portion so that the third heat source is disposed facing the second flange side with respect to the flange wall portion. The method may also include curing the non-pneumatic tire.

[0009] One example of a mold assembly according to the subject matter of the present disclosure may be suitable for curing an associated non-pneumatic tire including an associated amount of uncured material disposed peripherally around an associated rim. The associated rim may include an associated annular wall and an associated flange wall. The mold assembly may include a first mold section and a second mold section. The first mold section may include an inner side surface portion that at least partially defines a first mold cavity portion having a longitudinal axis. The first mold section may be thermally coupled to a primary conductive heat source. The second mold section may be displaceable relative to the first mold section between a first position and a second position, in which the second mold section at least partially extends across the first mold cavity portion, in which the first mold cavity portion is capable of being used to load and unload the associated non-pneumatic tire. The mold assembly also includes a first radiant heat source that is operable independently of the primary conductive heat source. The first radiant heat source may be disposed within the first mold cavity portion and spaced inwardly from the inner side surface portion such that an annular gap is disposed therebetween. The annular gap may be sized to receive at least a portion of the associated annular wall of the associated rim and at least a portion of the associated amount of uncured material. The mold assembly also includes a second radiant heat source operable independently of the primary conductive heat source. The second radiant heat source may be supported on the second mold section and displaceable therewith between the first position and the second position of the second mold section. In the first position of the second mold section, the second radiant heat source may be axially spaced apart from the first radiant heat source such that the associated flange wall of the associated rim is disposed between the first radiant heat source and the second radiant heat source.

[0010] An example of a tire curing system for curing a non-pneumatic tire may include a mold assembly according to the preceding paragraphs. The tire curing system may also include a processor that is communicatively coupled to a memory and to the primary conductive heat source, the first radiant heat source, and the second radiant heat source. The memory may include instructions to operate the primary conductive heat source at a first nominal temperature for a first time period. The memory may also include instructions to operate the first radiant heat source at a second nominal temperature for a second time period that is less than the first time period. The memory may also include instructions to operate the second radiant heat source at a third nominal temperature for a third time period that is less than the first time period. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary uncured, non-pneumatic tire in an assembled state and ready for curing.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an exemplary uncured, non-pneumatic tire.

[0013] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The line 3-3 in Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional side elevation view of an exemplary uncured, non-pneumatic tire in FIG.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded arrangement of a cross-sectional side elevation view of an exemplary uncured, non-pneumatic tire in FIG.

[0015] Figure 5 is a front elevational view of a tire curing machine shown with a mold assembly according to the presently disclosed subject matter shown in an open state with an exemplary incompletely cured, non-pneumatic tire being loaded.

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 0014] A front elevation view of a tire curing machine shown with a mold assembly in a closed state and an exemplary incompletely cured, non-pneumatic tire loaded for curing.

[0017] Figure 7 It is from along Figure 6 The line 7-7 in Figure 5 and Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the mold assembly and an incompletely cured, non-pneumatic tire.

[0018] Figure 8 It is from along Figure 6 The line 8-8 in Figures 5 to 7 A cross-sectional view of the mold assembly and an incompletely cured, non-pneumatic tire.

[0019] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A top perspective view of an exemplary secondary heat source is shown in .

[0020] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 A top perspective view of an exemplary third heat source shown in .

[0021] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary control system operably associated with a mold assembly according to the disclosed subject matter.

[0022] Fig.12 is a diagrammatic representation of one example of a manufacturing method according to the disclosed subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Turning now to the drawings, it should be understood that the illustrations are examples for illustrating the subject matter of the present disclosure, and the drawings should not be interpreted as limiting. In addition, it should be understood that the drawings are not drawn to scale, and parts of specific features and / or elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of clarity and / or ease of understanding.

[0024] For purposes of background and discussion and not by way of limitation, Figures 1 to 4 An example of an under-cured, non-pneumatic tire that is sized and / or otherwise configured for curing in a mold assembly according to the disclosed subject matter and / or by a manufacturing method according to the disclosed subject matter is shown. It should be understood that various types, kinds, and / or configurations of non-pneumatic tires have been developed and / or used in different applications and / or environments, and that the under-cured, non-pneumatic tires shown and described herein are merely exemplary.

[0025] As a non-limiting example, a fully cured non-pneumatic tire (or tire component) 100 may be Figures 1 to 8 104 and 106. The uncured non-pneumatic tire 100 is shown as having a longitudinal axis AX and may extend axially from an end 102 to an end 104 opposite the end 102. The uncured non-pneumatic tire 100 may include an annular ring 106 extending peripherally around the axis AX and a structural body 108 disposed outside at least a portion of the annular ring 106 and also extending peripherally around the axis AX. The uncured non-pneumatic tire 100 may also include an annular ring 110 extending peripherally around the axis AX, wherein at least a portion of the annular ring 110 is disposed outside the annular ring 106 and / or the structural body 108. The uncured non-pneumatic tire 100 may further include a tread body 112 extending peripherally around the axis AX, wherein at least a portion of the tread body 112 is disposed outside the annular ring 110.

[0026] It should be understood that the mold assemblies and manufacturing methods according to the subject matter of the present disclosure are used to transform a non-pneumatic tire having one or more portions formed of or otherwise including one or more amounts of incompletely cured material into a non-pneumatic tire having all or substantially all portions thereof substantially fully crosslinked, vulcanized, and / or otherwise cured. It should be understood and appreciated that such one or more amounts of incompletely cured material may include an elastomeric material, such as, for example, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and / or a thermoplastic elastomer. In addition, or in the alternative, such one or more amounts of incompletely cured material may include an adhesive material. Therefore, it should be understood and appreciated that any one or more of the aforementioned components of the non-pneumatic tire 100 may include one or more amounts of material that will be transformed from an incompletely cured state to at least a substantially fully cured state, and the arrangement of the non-pneumatic tire 100 shown and described herein is merely exemplary and is not intended to be limiting.

[0027] It should be understood that the annular ring 106 may have any suitable size, shape and / or configuration, and may include any suitable number of one or more walls and / or wall portions. As a non-limiting example, the annular ring may be, for example, Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 104. The annular ring 106 may be a portion of an outer wall or outer wall portion of a vehicle wheel or rim 114 shown in FIG. 104 or otherwise at least partially form the outer wall or outer wall portion. In such an exemplary arrangement, the annular ring 106 may include an annular wall 116 extending axially between an annular edge 118 disposed toward the end 102 and an annular edge 120 disposed toward the end 104 in an axially spaced relationship from the annular edge 118. The annular wall 116 of the annular ring 106 may also include an outer surface portion 122 that faces radially outward and extends peripherally around the longitudinal axis AX and extends axially between the ends 102 and 104. The annular wall 116 of the annular ring 106 may also include an inner surface portion 124 that extends peripherally around the longitudinal axis AX and faces radially inwardly along the end 102 and / or the end 104 and / or axially between the ends.

[0028] The vehicle rim 114 also includes a mounting hub or flange 126 that is operably connected to the annular ring 106, such as, for example, by a flowing material joint 128. The mounting flange 126 extends radially inwardly along the annular ring 106 and includes one or more walls and / or wall portions oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis AX. For example, the mounting flange 126 may include a hub or flange wall 130 having a connector wall portion 132 disposed along the annular wall 116 and operably connected to the annular wall, such as, for example, by a flowing material joint 128. The flange wall 130 may also include a mounting wall portion 134 disposed radially inwardly of the connector wall portion 132 and oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis AX. The mounting wall portion 134 may be sized and / or otherwise adapted to be mounted on or along an associated component or device in a conventional manner, such as, for example, mounted on an axle of an associated vehicle via bolt holes 136. In some cases, flange wall 130 can include an intermediate wall portion 138 that extends between and operably interconnects connector wall portion 132 and mounting wall portion 134 .

[0029] Regardless of the specific configuration and / or arrangement of the walls and / or wall portions of the vehicle rim 114, the annular ring 106 at least partially defines a wheel or rim cavity 140 disposed radially inwardly thereof. The mounting flange 126 is at least partially disposed within the rim cavity 140 and extends at least partially through the rim cavity such that the rim cavity is divided into rim cavity portions 140A and 140B. In such an arrangement, one or more walls and / or wall portions of the mounting flange 126 separate or otherwise block one rim cavity portion from a portion of the annular ring 106. As an example, the connector wall portion 132, the mounting wall portion 134, and / or the intermediate wall portion 138 may separate or otherwise block the rim cavity portion 140A from the segment 142 of the annular wall 116, such as, for example, in Figure 3 In addition, or in the alternative, the connector wall portion 132, the mounting wall portion 134 and / or the intermediate wall portion 138 may separate or otherwise block the rim cavity portion 140B from the segment 144 of the annular wall 116, such as, for example, in Figure 3 In the heat transfer direction indicated by the arrow HT2.

[0030] In a preferred arrangement, all or substantially all of the amount of the uncured material of the non-pneumatic tire may be disposed radially outside of the annular ring 106. As a non-limiting example, the structural body 108 may include an inner wrapper or layer 146 and an outer wrapper or layer 148 disposed radially outside of the inner layer 146. The inner layer 146 and the outer layer 148 extend axially between the ends 102 and 104, wherein the inner layer 146 extends axially between the edges 150 and 152 and the outer layer 148 extends axially between the edges 154 and 156. In some cases, the inner layer 146 and the outer layer 148 may be substantially coextensive with each other, such that the edges 150 and 154 are at least approximately aligned with each other along the end 102 and / or the edges 152 and 156 are at least approximately aligned with each other along the end 104. The inner layer 146 may at least partially define an inner surface portion 158 of the structural body 108 that extends peripherally around the longitudinal axis AX and extends axially between the ends 102 and 104. The outer layer 148 may at least partially define an outer surface portion 160 of the structural body 108 that extends peripherally about the longitudinal axis AX and extends axially between the ends 102 and 104 .

[0031] The structural body 108 also includes a plurality of support structures 162 extending between and operably interconnecting the inner layer 146 and the outer layer 148. It should be understood that the support structures 162 may have any suitable shape, configuration, and / or arrangement and may be operably connected to the inner layer 146 and the outer layer 148 in any suitable manner. As a non-limiting example, the support structure 162 may extend axially from an edge 164 disposed toward the end 102 to an edge 166 disposed toward the end 104. The support structure 162 may also include an end 168 disposed toward the inner layer 146 and an end 170 disposed toward the outer layer 148 in a spaced relationship from the end 168. The support structure 162 is shown and described herein as having a curved or otherwise nonlinear profile along a plane taken transverse to the longitudinal axis AX. For example, the support structure 162 may include a concave surface portion 172 facing in one circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis AX and a convex surface portion 174 facing in the opposite circumferential direction. However, it should be understood that such configurations are merely exemplary and that other shapes and / or contours may alternatively be used.

[0032] The support structures 162 are disposed in peripherally spaced relation to one another about the longitudinal axis AX such that a plurality of spaces 176 are also disposed in peripherally spaced relation to one another about the longitudinal axis, wherein one of the spaces 176 is disposed between adjacent ones of the support structures 162. In such an arrangement, the spaces 176 may have a generally crescent-shaped cross-sectional profile or configuration, wherein the concave surface portion 172 of one support structure 162 and the convex surface portion 174 of an adjacent support structure 162 at least partially define peripherally spaced sides of the spaces 176. In some cases, the support structures 162 may extend into or otherwise be at least partially embedded within the inner layer 146 and / or the outer layer 148. In such cases, a portion 178 of the inner layer 146 may at least partially define an end surface portion 180 of the space 176, such as may have a curved or otherwise non-linear cross-sectional shape and / or configuration. Additionally, or in the alternative, a portion 182 of the outer layer 148 may at least partially define an end surface portion 184 of the space 176 , such as may have a curved or otherwise non-linear cross-sectional shape and / or configuration.

[0033] It should be understood that the annular ring 110 can have any suitable size, shape and / or configuration, and can include any suitable number of one or more walls and / or wall portions. As a non-limiting example, the annular ring 110 can include an annular wall (or annular wall portion) 186 extending peripherally around the longitudinal axis AX. The annular wall portion 186 can extend axially between an annular edge 188 disposed toward the end 102 and an annular edge 190 disposed toward the end 104 in an axially spaced relationship from the annular edge 188. The annular wall portion 186 can include an inner surface portion 192 that faces radially inwardly and extends peripherally around the longitudinal axis AX and extends axially between the ends 102 and 104. The annular wall portion 186 can also include an outer surface portion 194 that extends peripherally around the longitudinal axis AX and faces radially outwardly along the end 102 and / or the end 104 and / or axially between the ends.

[0034] The tread body 112 may extend axially between the ends 102 and 104, with a tread edge 196 disposed along the end 102 and a tread edge 198 disposed along the end 104. The tread body 112 may also include a radially inwardly facing inner surface portion 200 and a radially outwardly facing outer surface portion 202. One or more tread structures 204 (e.g., grooves, ribs, lugs, sipes) may optionally be preformed on the tread body 112 or otherwise extend into the tread body from the outer surface portion 202 along the uncured non-pneumatic tire 100, wherein such tread structures are adapted to at least partially define a ground-engaging tread (or tread pattern) on the cured non-pneumatic tire during the curing process.

[0035] As discussed above, one or more walls and / or wall portions of the non-pneumatic tire 100 may be formed from one or more amounts of material (e.g., elastomeric material and / or adhesive material) in an uncured state, such that at least these walls and / or wall portions can be cured using a mold assembly and / or manufacturing method according to the subject matter of the present disclosure. For example, the tread body 112 may be at least partially formed from one or more amounts of uncured elastomeric material. In addition, or in the alternative, one or more of the inner layer 146 and / or outer layer 148 of the structural body 108 may be at least partially formed from an uncured elastomeric material and / or adhesive material. As a further example, and / or as another alternative, the support structure 162 may optionally include one or more layers of an uncured elastomeric material and / or adhesive material. As a non-limiting example of such a configuration, in some cases, the support structure 162 may be at least partially formed from a sheet of relatively rigid material (e.g., metal, fiber-reinforced composite material), and the ends 168 and 170 of the support structure may be at least partially embedded or otherwise disposed within the inner layer 146 and the outer layer 148 of the structural body 108, respectively. In addition, or in the alternative, a layer of uncured elastomeric material and / or adhesive material may extend along and / or at least partially define the concave surface portion 172 and / or the convex surface portion 174. As another non-limiting example, the support structure 162 may be at least partially formed from a plurality of relatively rigid wires and / or filaments that are arranged adjacent to each other and at least partially embedded in a certain amount of uncured elastomeric material and / or adhesive material to at least partially form a sheet-like structure.

[0036] It should be understood that the non-pneumatic tire 100 that is not fully cured may include any suitable elastomeric material or combination of elastomeric materials, such as, for example, natural rubber, synthetic rubber and / or thermoplastic elastomers. In addition, it will be recognized and understood that in some cases, a variety of components may be formed by a common, not fully cured elastomeric material. However, in other cases, two or more components, compounds and / or grades of not fully cured elastomeric materials may be used. As used herein, terms such as "not fully cured" refer to elastomeric materials having polymer chains that become cross-linked or otherwise bonded when subjected to heat, pressure, and / or compounds having "fully cured" or "substantially fully cured" elastomeric materials that exhibit material and / or mechanical properties that are significantly different from "not fully cured" elastomeric materials. A non-limiting example of a suitable curing process includes vulcanization of natural and synthetic rubber elastomers.

[0037] It should be understood that any combination of one or more incompletely cured elastomeric materials may be used or otherwise included in an incompletely cured non-pneumatic tire (e.g., non-pneumatic tire 100). As a non-limiting example, an incompletely cured non-pneumatic tire 100 may include one or more amounts of elastomeric material and / or adhesive material, substantially all of the elastomeric material and / or adhesive material of each of the one or more amounts of elastomeric material and / or adhesive material being in a "raw" or substantially completely uncured state. As another non-limiting example, an incompletely cured non-pneumatic tire 100 may include one or more amounts of elastomeric material and / or adhesive material in a "raw" or substantially completely uncured state, and one or more amounts of elastomeric material and / or adhesive material in an at least partially cured state. As an additional non-limiting example, an incompletely cured non-pneumatic tire 100 may include one or more amounts of elastomeric material and / or adhesive material in a partially but not fully cured state. Thus, it should be recognized and understood that the uncured, non-pneumatic tire 100 may include, but is not limited to: one or more amounts of "raw" or substantially completely uncured elastomeric material and / or adhesive material; or one or more amounts of partially but not completely cured elastomeric material and / or adhesive material; or both one or more amounts of "raw" or substantially completely uncured elastomeric material and / or adhesive material and one or more amounts of partially but not completely cured elastomeric material and / or adhesive material.

[0038] Figure 5 and Figure 6Schematically illustrated is another form of conventional tire curing machine 300, which includes a machine base 302 having a base mounting surface 304. The tire curing machine 300 also includes a machine head 306 having a head mounting surface 308. The machine head 306 can be moved relative to the machine base 302 in a conventional manner, such as along a linear guide rod 310. The machine head 306 is arranged to move relative to the machine base 302. Figure 5 is shown as being arranged in a first or raised position, which can be moved to Figure 6 The second or lowered position shown in FIG. Figure 5 The tire curing machine 300 may include one or more pressurized fluid sources, one or more heated fluid sources, and / or one or more motion actuators, such as in Figure 5 and Figure 6 314, 316 and 318, respectively, and may be included on the machine base 302 and / or the machine head 306, along the machine base and / or the machine head, or otherwise operably associated with the machine base and / or the machine head, as known in the art. According to the subject matter of the present disclosure, the tire curing machine 300 may also include a control system 320, which is communicatively coupled to one or more components and / or systems of the tire curing machine and is suitable for selective operation thereof. It should be understood that the control system 320 may be included on the machine base 302, the machine head 306 and / or any other components and / or systems of the tire curing machine 300, along the machine base, the machine head and / or any other components or systems, or otherwise operably associated with the machine base, the machine head and / or any other components and / or systems, such as otherwise known in the art.

[0039] The mold assembly 400 according to the disclosed subject matter is Figures 5 to 8 300 is shown as being operably supported within the tire curing machine 300, or otherwise supported on or along the tire curing machine. The mold assembly 400 includes: a mold segment 402 supported on or along the base mounting surface 304 of the machine base 302, and a mold segment 404 supported on or along the head mounting surface 308 of the machine head 306. The mold segments 402 and / or 404 can be adapted to be connected to the mold by, for example, one or more conduits or channels 406 ( Figure 8 ) any means of transferring pressurized fluid to and / or from the mold segments, operably connecting the pressurized fluid source 314 and / or the heated fluid source 316 in fluid communication.

[0040] The mold assembly 400 includes a mold axis MAX that extends in or otherwise along the direction of movement 312 of the tire curing machine 300. Thus, the mold segments 402 and 404 are axially displaceable relative to each other during operation of the tire curing machine, wherein the mold segments 402 and 404 are axially displaceable relative to each other during operation of the tire curing machine. Figure 5 4 and 404 are shown as spaced apart, thereby representing the open state of the mold assembly, and wherein the mold sections 402 and 404 are in Figure 6 4 and 5. Mold segment 402 is shown as being coextensively engaged with each other, thereby representing a closed state of the mold assembly. Mold segment 402 may optionally include a shim curing system 408. In addition, mold segment 402 may optionally include a plurality of tread die segments 410 that are peripherally disposed around shim curing system 408 to at least partially define a mold cavity 412 within mold segment 402. Mold segment 404 includes a surface portion 414 that at least partially defines a mold cavity 416 within the mold segment. Mold cavity 416 is sized to receive at least a portion of mold segment 402 in the closed state of the mold assembly. In some cases, when the mold segments are moved toward the closed state, an outer surface portion 418 of tread die segment 410 may abuttingly engage a surface portion 414 of mold segment 404.

[0041] For example, as in Figure 5 Indicated by arrow 322 and in Figure 6 , with the uncured, non-pneumatic tire 100 loaded into or otherwise positioned within the mold cavity 416, the tread die segment 410 is radially displaced inwardly into engagement with the tread body 112 of the uncured, non-pneumatic tire 100. Such radial compression causes the inner surface portion 200 of the tread body 112 to engage with the outer surface portion 194 of the annular ring 110. Additionally, such radial compression causes the inner surface portion 192 of the annular ring 110 to engage with the outer surface portion 160 of the structural body 108. In some cases, such radial compression may also cause the inner surface portion 158 of the structural body 108 to engage with the outer surface portion 122 of the annular ring 106. Additionally, the tread die segment 410 includes an inner surface portion 420 that is generally opposite to the surface portion 418 that at least partially defines the mold cavity 412. In some cases, additional features may be formed on or along the inner surface portion 420, such as may extend from along the outer surface portion 202 of the tread body 112 to engage with the tread body under such radial compression to at least partially define a tread pattern (e.g., grooves, ribs, blocks, sipes) on or along the non-pneumatic tire 100 that engages the ground.

[0042] Depending on the configuration and / or construction of the uncured, non-pneumatic tire (e.g., non-pneumatic tire 100) with which the mold assembly according to the subject matter of the present disclosure is intended to be used, the mold assembly may optionally include a shim curing system that can axially coextensively engage with multiple support structures (e.g., support structure 162) and multiple staggered spaces (e.g., space 176) to apply heat and / or pressure to the support structures and / or adjacent wall portions (e.g., inner layer 146 and outer layer 148). If included, it should be understood that any suitable type, kind and / or construction of shim curing system can be used. As a non-limiting example, shim curing system 408 may include multiple curing shoe assemblies 422 operably associated with mold segment 402 and / or mold segment 404, such as by Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Indicated by the dotted line in .

[0043] In a preferred arrangement, the curing shoe assemblies 422 are arranged such that one or more of the curing shoe assemblies are disposed within one of the spaces 176 when the incompletely cured, non-pneumatic tire 100 is positioned within the mold cavity 412. In such an arrangement, the curing shoe assemblies 422 may be selectively actuated and deactuated (or otherwise released) such that their curing shoes respectively engage and disengage one or more walls and / or wall portions of the structural body 108. In the engaged state, the curing shoe assemblies may apply surface pressure to the structural body 108 and / or transfer heat to the structural body, such as being operable to transform one or more walls and / or wall portions of the structural body formed of an incompletely cured elastomeric material into a substantially cured elastomeric material.

[0044] As discussed above, the incompletely cured non-pneumatic tire 100 can be converted into a substantially fully cured non-pneumatic tire by applying pressure and / or transferring heat to one or more quantities of one or more incompletely cured materials of the non-pneumatic tire. The application of pressure can be achieved in any suitable manner, such as, for example, can be provided by radially inward displacement of otherwise conventional tread die segments 410. In addition, the transfer of heat to one or more quantities of one or more incompletely cured materials can be at least partially provided by other forms of conventional primary heat sources, such as, for example, Figure 5 and Figure 6 316. It should be understood that conventional tire curing systems transfer heating fluid through one or more sections of the mold assembly. During the conventional curing process, the heated mold sections transfer heat to one or more quantities of one or more uncured materials, wherein such heat transfer occurs primarily by heat conduction from the heated mold sections to the one or more quantities of one or more uncured materials.

[0045] It should be understood that a wide variety of conventional fluid communication systems are known and have been used to transfer heating fluids into, out of, and / or otherwise through conventional mold segments of other forms. As a non-limiting example of such an arrangement, a primary heat source (e.g., heating fluid source 316) may transfer a heating fluid 424 (e.g., air, steam, water, oil) into, out of, and / or otherwise through mold segment 402 via conduit or passage 406. In some cases, tread die segment 410 may include one or more passages and / or cavities 426 into, out of, and / or otherwise through which a heating fluid 424 may circulate or otherwise flow, thereby transferring heat into the tread die segment. Additionally, or in the alternative, the cure shoe assembly 422 may include one or more channels and / or cavities 428 into, out of, and / or otherwise through which a heating fluid 424 may be circulated or otherwise flowed to transfer heat into the cure shoe assembly. Additionally, or in the alternative, any one or more of the aforementioned arrangements for circulation and / or other flow of a heating fluid through the mold segments 402 are equally applicable to the mold segments 404. It should be understood that conductive heat transfer using circulation and / or flow of a heating fluid 424 through the mold segments 402 and / or 404 and through any cure shoe components thereof (e.g., the cure shoe assembly 422), if included, collectively represent a conventional primary heat source operably associated with the mold assembly 400.

[0046] It has been recognized that the mass of the rim (e.g., rim 114) of an uncured non-pneumatic tire (e.g., non-pneumatic tire 100) may undesirably affect the conductive heat transfer of one or more quantities of one or more uncured materials of the non-pneumatic tire from a conventional primary heat source, such as, for example, discussed above. In addition, it has been recognized that the configuration and / or geometry of the wall and / or wall portion of the rim may also undesirably affect such conventional conductive heat transfer. Therefore, the mold assembly and manufacturing method according to the subject matter of the present disclosure include and / or selectively operate one or more radiant heat sources as a supplement to the primary conductive heat source and provided separately from the primary conductive heat source. In addition, the one or more radiant heat sources can be controlled independently of the primary conductive heat source, such as selectively directing heat transfer into or toward the rim of the non-pneumatic tire. In some cases, the one or more radiant heat sources may be capable of being controlled independently of the primary conductive heat source. In the case of including two or more radiant heat sources, the two radiant heat sources may also be capable of being controlled independently of each other. In addition, in a preferred arrangement, at least one of the two or more radiant heat sources is operably disposed along a mold section (e.g., mold section 402) of a mold assembly (e.g., mold assembly 400), wherein at least a different one of the two or more radiant heat sources is operably disposed on a different mold section (e.g., mold section 404) of the mold assembly (e.g., mold assembly 400) or along the mold section of the mold assembly.

[0047] As a non-limiting example, mold assembly 400 may include radiant heat source 430 operably supported on or along mold segment 402 and radiant heat source 432 operably supported on or along mold segment 404. Radiant heat source 430 is shown disposed on or along mold segment 402 within mold cavity 416. Also, radiant heat source 430 is positioned within mold cavity 416 such that an annular space or gap GP1 is formed between the radiant heat source and surface portion 414 of tread die segment 410 such that at least a portion of non-pneumatic tire 100 may be positioned within gap GP1. In this arrangement, at least a portion of non-pneumatic tire 100 is axially coextensive with radiant heat source 430, wherein annular ring 106 is disposed toward the radiant heat source, and tread body 112 is disposed outside of tread die segment 410 in a direction toward the radiant heat source. Radiant heat source 432 is shown supported on or along mold segment 404 and positioned within mold cavity 416 in the closed position of mold assembly 100. Additionally, radiant heat source 432 is arranged within mold cavity 416 such that, in the closed position of the mold assembly, an annular space or gap GP2 is formed between the radiant heat source and surface portion 414 of tread die segment 410. In such an arrangement, at least a portion of non-pneumatic tire 100 is also positioned within gap GP2, wherein at least a portion of non-pneumatic tire 100 is axially coextensive with radiant heat source 432.

[0048] Radiant heat source 430 may include a base wall 434 operably connected to mold segment 402, wherein one or more radiant heating elements are operably supported on or along the base wall. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the illustrated arrangement, the radiant heat source 430 may include a plurality of radiant heating elements 436 disposed in peripherally spaced relation to one another about and / or axially along the base wall 434. In such an arrangement, the radiant heating elements 436 may be transverse to the mold axis MAX such that the radiant heating elements face radially outward toward the annular wall 116 of the annular ring 106. In some cases, the radiant heating elements 436 may be arranged in a faceted or otherwise slightly cylindrical orientation and may be selectively operable to direct radiant heat toward the segment 144 of the annular wall 116, as indicated by arrow RH1.

[0049] Radiant heat source 432 may include a base wall 438 operably connected to mold segment 404, wherein one or more radiant heating elements are operably supported on or along the base wall. Figure 8 and Fig.10In the illustrated arrangement, the radiant heat source 432 may include a plurality of radiant heating elements 440 disposed in peripherally spaced relation to one another about the base wall 438. In a preferred arrangement, the radiant heating elements 440 are oriented at an acute angle relative to the mold axis MAX, such as, for example, by Figure 8 1. In such an arrangement, the radiant heating element 440 faces radially outwardly toward the annular wall 116 of the annular ring 106, and axially toward at least a portion of the mounting flange 126. The radiant heating element 440 may be faceted or otherwise arranged in a slightly frustoconical orientation, and may be selectively operable to direct radiant heat toward the segment 142 of the annular wall 116 and toward one or more portions of the mounting flange 126, as indicated by arrow RH2.

[0050] It should be understood that radiant heat sources 430 and 432 may utilize any suitable energy source for generating radiant heat. As an example, one or both of the radiant heat sources may utilize a combustion process to generate radiant heat, such as by utilizing one or more gas-fired panels. Additionally, or in the alternative, radiant heat source 430, radiant heat source 432, or both radiant heat sources 430 and 432 may utilize electricity to generate radiant heat, such as, for example, by utilizing one or more resistive heating elements.

[0051] As discussed above, radiant heat sources 430 and 432 may be selectively controlled independently of the main conductive heat source (e.g., heating fluid source 316). In addition, radiant heat sources 430 and 432 may be selectively controlled independently of each other. It should be understood that such selective operation and / or control of the main conductive heat source 316 and radiant heat sources 430 and / or 432 may be realized in any suitable manner and by using any suitable combination of components and / or systems. As a non-limiting example, the control system 320 of the tire curing machine 300 may be coupled or otherwise operably associated with the mold assembly 400 for selectively operating and / or controlling radiant heat sources 430 and 432 and the main conductive heat source 316.

[0052] As a non-limiting example, the control system 320 may include a controller 324 that is communicatively coupled to various devices, components, and / or systems of the tire curing machine 300 and / or mold assembly 400, such as may be adapted to send, receive, and / or otherwise communicate signals, data, values, and / or information to and from and / or between the controller and one or more of such devices, components, and / or systems. It should be understood that the controller 324 may include any suitable hardware, software, and / or combination thereof for configuration and operation of a tire sensing system in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter. For example, the controller 324 may include a processing device, which may be of any suitable type, kind, and / or configuration, such as a microprocessor, for example, to process data, execute software routines / programs, and other functions related to the performance and / or operation of the tire curing machine 300 and / or the mold assembly 400. In addition, the controller may include any suitable type, kind, and / or configuration of memory that may be used to store software, parameters, settings, inputs, data, values, and / or other information used in connection with the performance and / or operation of the tire curing machine 300 and / or the mold assembly 400. Fig.11 In the arrangement shown, the controller 324 includes a microprocessor 326 and a memory 328 including blocks 328A and 328B.

[0053] like Fig.11 As shown, the controller 324 may optionally include a motion control module 330 that is capable of requesting, receiving, processing, storing and / or otherwise transferring data, values, information, signals and / or communications to and / or from the tire curing machine 300 and / or the mold assembly 400, such as may be related to or associated with the operation of the motion actuator 318 and / or the movement of the mold segments 402 and / or 404 to, from and / or between open and closed positions, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6In some cases, the motion control module 330 may request, receive, process and / or store data, values, information, signals and / or communications, such as may be related to or associated with the operation of the motion actuator 318 and / or the mold segments 402 and / or 404 moving to, from and / or between the open and closed positions, which may be stored in the memory 328, such as, for example, by Fig.11 The box 332 in FIG.

[0054] The controller 324 may include a thermal control module 334 that is capable of requesting, receiving, processing, storing and / or otherwise transferring data, values, information, signals and / or communications into and / or out of the tire curing machine 300 and / or the mold assembly 400, such as may be related to or associated with the operation of the primary conductive heat source 316 and / or the circulation and / or transfer of heated fluid into, out of and / or through the mold assembly 400 associated with the transformation of a non-pneumatic tire having one or more portions formed from or otherwise including one or more amounts of incompletely cured material into a non-pneumatic tire in which all or substantially all portions are substantially fully cross-linked, vulcanized and / or otherwise cured. In some cases, the thermal control module 334 may request, receive, process and / or store data, values, information, signals and / or communications, such as may be related to or associated with the operation of the primary conductive heat source 316 and / or the circulation and / or transfer of the heating fluid into, out of and / or otherwise through the mold assembly 400, which may be stored in the memory 328, such as, for example, by Fig.11 The box 332 in FIG.

[0055] The controller 324 may include a thermal control module 336 that is capable of requesting, receiving, processing, storing, and / or otherwise transferring data, values, information, signals, and / or communications to and / or from the tire curing machine 300 and / or the mold assembly 400, such as may be related to or associated with the operation of the radiant heat source 430 and / or the transfer of radiant heat to the rim 114. In some cases, the thermal control module 336 may request, receive, process, and / or store data, values, information, signals, and / or communications, such as may be related to or associated with the operation of the radiant heat source 430 and / or the transfer of radiant heat to the rim 114, which may be stored in the memory 328, such as, for example, by Fig.11 The box 332 in FIG.

[0056] The controller 324 may include a thermal control module 338 that is capable of requesting, receiving, processing, storing, and / or otherwise transferring data, values, information, signals, and / or communications to and / or from the tire curing machine 300 and / or the mold assembly 400, such as may be related to or associated with the operation of the radiant heat source 432 and / or the transfer of radiant heat to the rim 114. In some cases, the thermal control module 336 may request, receive, process, and / or store data, values, information, signals, and / or communications, such as may be related to or associated with the operation of the radiant heat source 432 and / or the transfer of radiant heat to the rim 114, which may be stored in the memory 328, such as, for example, by Fig.11 The box 332 in FIG.

[0057] It should be understood that the conversion of a non-pneumatic tire having one or more portions formed of or otherwise including one or more amounts of incompletely cured material into a non-pneumatic tire having all or substantially all portions thereof substantially fully crosslinked, vulcanized and / or otherwise cured can be monitored or controlled in any suitable manner. As a non-limiting example, the conversion from an incompletely cured non-pneumatic tire to a substantially fully cured non-pneumatic tire can be controlled at least in part as a function of time. As another non-limiting example, the conversion from an incompletely cured non-pneumatic tire to a substantially fully cured non-pneumatic tire can be controlled at least in part as a function of temperature. As another non-limiting example, the conversion from an incompletely cured non-pneumatic tire to a substantially fully cured non-pneumatic tire can be controlled at least in part according to a combination of time and temperature.

[0058] In such cases, the tire curing machine 300 and / or the mold assembly 400 may include one or more temperature sensors operably associated therewith. As an example, the tire curing machine 300 and / or the mold assembly 400 may include one or more sensors 340 that are operable to generate data, signals, and / or other communications related to a temperature associated with the primary conductive heat source 316 and / or the heating fluid circulating and / or transferring into, out of, and / or otherwise passing through the mold assembly 400. Additionally, or in the alternative, the mold assembly 400 may include one or more sensors 442 operably associated with the mold segment 402. Additionally, or as a further alternative, the mold assembly 400 may include one or more sensors 444 operably associated with the mold segment 404.

[0059] In a preferred arrangement, sensor 442 may be thermally coupled to one or more walls, wall portions, and / or segments of rim 114 in a closed state of mold assembly 400 and / or otherwise during at least a portion of a cure cycle in which an incompletely cured, non-pneumatic tire is transformed into a substantially fully cured, non-pneumatic tire. Figure 8 In the exemplary arrangement shown, sensor 442 is disposed in thermal communication with segment 116A of annular wall 116. Additionally, or in the alternative, sensor 444 may be thermally coupled to one or more walls, wall portions, and / or segments of rim 114 in a closed state of mold assembly 400 and / or otherwise during at least a portion of a curing cycle in which an incompletely cured, non-pneumatic tire is transformed into a substantially fully cured, non-pneumatic tire. Figure 8 In the exemplary arrangement shown, the sensor 444 is disposed in thermal communication with the segment 116B of the annular wall 116 and along the mounting wall portion 134 of the flange wall 130 .

[0060] Thus, the controller 324 may include a timing module 342 that is capable of requesting, receiving, processing, storing, and / or otherwise transferring data, values, information, signals, and / or communications into and / or out of the tire curing machine 300 and / or the mold assembly 400, such as may relate to or be associated with: 1) the timing and / or duration of operation of the primary conductive heat source 316 and / or circulation and / or transfer of heating fluid into, out of, and / or otherwise through the mold assembly 400; 2) the timing and / or duration of operation of the radiant heat source 430; and / or 3) the timing and / or duration of operation of the radiant heat source 432. In some cases, the timing module 342 may include a timer or counter. Additionally, in some cases, the timing module 342 may request, receive, process and / or store data, values, information, signals and / or communications, such as may relate to or be associated with: 1) the timing and / or duration of operation of the primary conductive heat source 316 and / or circulation and / or transfer of heating fluid into, out of and / or otherwise through the mold assembly 400; 2) the timing and / or duration of operation of the radiant heat source 430; and / or 3) the timing and / or duration of operation of the radiant heat source 432, any and / or all of which may be stored in the memory 328, such as, for example, by Fig.11 The box 332 in FIG.

[0061] The controller 324 may be communicatively coupled to any one or more of the sensors 340, 442, and / or 444. In such cases, the controller 324 may include a sensor module 344 capable of requesting, receiving, processing, storing, and / or otherwise transferring data, values, information, signals, and / or communications into and / or out of the tire curing machine 300 and / or the mold assembly 400, such as may be related to or associated with: 1) temperatures associated with the primary conductive heat source 316 and / or heating fluid circulating and / or transferring into, out of, and / or through the mold assembly 400; 2) temperatures associated with the operation of the radiant heat source 430; 3) temperatures associated with the operation of the radiant heat source 432; and / or 4) temperatures associated with one or more walls and / or wall portions of the rim 114. Additionally, in some cases, sensor module 344 may request, receive, process and / or store data, values, information, signals and / or communications, such as may relate to or be associated with: 1) temperatures associated with primary conductive heat source 316 and / or heating fluid circulating and / or transferring into, out of and / or otherwise through mold assembly 400; 2) temperatures associated with operation of radiant heat source 430; 3) temperatures associated with operation of radiant heat source 432; and / or 4) temperatures associated with one or more walls and / or wall portions of rim 114, any and / or all of which may be stored in memory 328, such as, for example, by Fig.11 The box 332 in FIG.

[0062] It should be understood that any suitable combination of curing cycle times, combinations of curing cycle temperatures, or combinations of curing cycle times and temperatures may be used. For example, the primary conductive heat source 316 may operate for a first cycle time t1, wherein the radiant heat source 430 operates for a second cycle time t2 that is less than the first cycle time t1. Additionally, or in the alternative, the radiant heat source 432 may operate for a third cycle time t3 that is less than the first cycle time t1. In some cases, the third cycle time t3 may be approximately equal to or less than the second cycle time t2. As another example, the primary conductive heat source 316 may operate at a first nominal temperature T1, wherein the radiant heat source 430 operates at a second nominal temperature T2 that is less than the first nominal temperature T1. Additionally, or in the alternative, the radiant heat source 432 may operate at a third nominal temperature T3 that is less than the first nominal temperature T1. In some cases, the third nominal temperature T3 may be approximately equal to or less than the second nominal temperature T2. It should be understood that any combination of the aforementioned cycle times and nominal temperatures may also be used.

[0063] It should be understood that one or more modules (shown and described as modules 330-338, 342 and 344 in this article) of controller 324 can be provided in any suitable manner, such as, for example, a combination of software, hardware and / or hardware and software. In some cases, modules 330-338, 342 and 344 can take the form of algorithms, routines and / or programs. If provided as software in whole or in part, the configuration and operation modules of controller 324 can be provided and stored in any suitable manner or arrangement. For example, all algorithms, routines and / or programs can be integrated into a single software program, in which a separate section or part of software code will perform various actions and / or activities of the system. In another embodiment, two or more independent modules (for example, algorithms, routines and / or programs) can be used to perform various actions and / or activities of the system.

[0064] In addition, the memory 328 may store or otherwise retain any suitable data, values, settings, software, algorithms, routines, programs, and / or any other information in any suitable manner or form. Also, in a preferred arrangement, the microprocessor 326 may be in communication with the memory 328 and may be operable to selectively access and / or process one or more of the data, values, information, algorithms, routines, and / or programs, such as, for example, those stored in the memory storage devices 330-338, 342, and 344, either individually or in combination. For example, the microprocessor 326 may run or otherwise process an algorithm, routine, or program, such as from one or more of the memory location modules 330, 334-338, 342, and 344 that are operable to access, analyze, or otherwise utilize data and / or information, such as, for example, that may be stored in the memory location 332.

[0065] Fig.12 A manufacturing method 500 for manufacturing a non-pneumatic tire according to the disclosed subject matter is shown in FIG. 5 , which may include providing a first mold segment, such as mold segment 402, including a first radiant heat source, such as in FIG. Fig.12 502. Method 500 also includes providing an uncured non-pneumatic tire 100 and positioning the uncured non-pneumatic tire on or along the mold segment such that a rim of the uncured non-pneumatic tire is axially coextensive with the first radiant heat source, as indicated by reference numerals 504 and 506, respectively. Method 500 also includes providing a second mold segment, such as mold segment 404, including a second radiant heat source, as indicated by reference numerals 504 and 506, respectively. Fig.12 denoted by reference numeral 508. Method 500 also includes positioning a second mold section across the first mold section such that the second radiant heat source is axially coextensive with the rim of the uncured non-pneumatic tire, as in Fig.12The method also includes curing the uncured non-pneumatic tire by radiative transfer of heat from the first radiant heat source and the second radiant heat source, such as in Fig.12 denoted by reference numeral 512. In a preferred arrangement, curing the uncured non-pneumatic tire may include curing using a combination of conventional conductive heat transfer from a primary conductive heat source (e.g., primary conductive heat source 316) and radiant heat transfer from a first radiant heat source and a second radiant heat source (e.g., radiant heat sources 430 and / or 432).

[0066] As used herein with reference to certain features, elements, components and / or structures, numerical ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) may be used to represent different single or otherwise identify certain features, elements, components and / or structures, and do not imply any order or sequence unless expressly specified by the claim language. In addition, the term "transverse" etc. is interpreted broadly. Because of this, the term "transverse" etc. may include a wide range of angular orientations, which include, but are not limited to, approximately vertical angular orientations. In addition, the terms "circumferential", "circumferentially", etc. may be interpreted broadly, and they may include, but are not limited to, circular shapes and / or configurations. In this regard, the terms "circumferential", "circumferentially", etc. may be synonymous with terms such as "peripheral", "peripherally", etc.

[0067] In addition, the phrase "flowing material joint" and the like, if used herein, may be interpreted to include any joint or connection in which a liquid or other flowable material (e.g., molten metal or a combination of molten metals) is arranged or otherwise presented between adjacent components and used to form a fixed and substantially fluid-tight connection therebetween. Examples of processes that can be used to form such flowing material joints include, but are not limited to, welding processes, brazing processes, and soldering processes. In such cases, in addition to any materials derived from the components themselves, one or more metallic materials and / or alloys may be used to form such flowing material joints. Another example of a process that can be used to form a flowing material joint includes applying, depositing, or otherwise presenting an adhesive between adjacent components for forming a fixed and substantially fluid-tight connection therebetween. In such cases, it should be understood that any suitable adhesive material or combination of materials may be used, such as, for example, a one-component and / or two-component epoxy resin.

[0068] Furthermore, the term "gas" as used herein refers to any gaseous or aerosol fluid in a broad sense. Most commonly, air is used as the working medium for gas spring devices such as those described herein and suspension systems and other components thereof. However, it should be understood that any suitable gaseous fluid may be used.

[0069] It should be recognized that many different features and / or components are shown in the embodiments shown and described herein, and no one embodiment is explicitly shown and described as including all such features and components. Therefore, it should be understood that the subject matter of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations of the different features and components shown and described herein, and any suitable arrangement of features and components may be used in any combination without restriction. Therefore, it should be clearly understood that claims involving any such combination of feature structures and / or components, whether or not specifically embodied herein, are intended to find support in the present disclosure. In order to assist the Patent Office and any reader of this application and any resulting patent used to interpret the claims attached to this application, the applicant does not intend that any of the attached claims or any claim elements invoke 35 U.S.C. 112 (f) unless the words "device for..." or "step for..." are explicitly used in a particular claim.

[0070] Therefore, although the subject matter of the present disclosure has been described with reference to the aforementioned embodiments and considerable emphasis has been given herein to the structures and structural interrelationships between the component parts of the disclosed embodiments, it should be understood that other embodiments may be produced and that many changes may be made to the embodiments shown and described without departing from the principles of the present invention. Obviously, other aspects will be modified and altered after reading and understanding the foregoing specific embodiments. Therefore, it should be clearly understood that the above descriptive issues are only interpreted as illustrative and not restrictive of the subject matter of the present disclosure. As such, it is intended that the subject matter of the present disclosure be understood to include all such variations and modifications.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a non-pneumatic tire, the method comprising: providing a first mold segment including an interior surface portion at least partially defining a first mold cavity portion, a first heat source thermally coupled to the first mold segment exteriorly of the first mold cavity portion, and a second heat source operable independently of the first heat source, the second heat source disposed within the first mold cavity portion and spaced inwardly from the interior surface portion such that an annular gap is disposed therebetween; Providing an uncured non-pneumatic tire having an axis of rotation and including a rim and a quantity of uncured material disposed about the rim, the rim including an annular wall portion extending peripherally about the axis of rotation and a flange wall portion extending radially inward from the annular wall portion, wherein the quantity of uncured material is disposed radially outward of the annular wall portion, the flange wall portion being oriented transversely to the axis of rotation and including a first flange side and a second flange side; positioning the uncured, non-pneumatic tire along the first mold segment such that at least a portion of the annular wall portion of the rim and at least a portion of the quantity of uncured material are disposed within the annular gap, wherein the first flange side of the flange wall portion faces a second heat source, and the second flange side of the flange wall portion faces away from the second heat source; providing a second mold section including a third heat source operable independently of at least the first heat source; positioning the second mold section across the first mold cavity portion such that the third heat source is disposed facing the second flange side with respect to the flange wall portion; as well as, The non-pneumatic tire is cured.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein curing the non-pneumatic tire comprises conducting heat from the first heat source into the non-pneumatic tire, radiating heat from the second heat source into the rim of the non-pneumatic tire, and radiating heat from the third heat source into the rim of the non-pneumatic tire.

3. The method of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein curing the non-pneumatic tire comprises operating the first heat source at a first nominal temperature for a first period of time.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein curing the non-pneumatic tire comprises operating the second heat source at a second nominal temperature for a second period of time.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein curing the non-pneumatic tire comprises operating the third heat source at a third nominal temperature for a third period of time.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein providing the first mold segment includes providing a first temperature sensor operably disposed within the first mold cavity portion, and positioning the uncured, non-pneumatic tire along the first mold segment includes thermally coupling the rim to the first temperature sensor.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein providing the second mold section includes providing a second temperature sensor operably disposed there along, and positioning the second mold section across the first mold cavity portion includes thermally coupling the second temperature sensor to the rim.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein curing the non-pneumatic tire comprises selectively operating the second heat source such that at least one section of the rim is maintained within a predetermined temperature range.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein curing the non-pneumatic tire comprises selectively operating the third heat source such that at least one section of the rim is maintained within a predetermined temperature range.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein curing the non-pneumatic tire comprises selectively operating the first heat source so that the amount of uncured material remains within a first temperature range for at least a first time period, and selectively operating the second heat source and the third heat source so that the rim remains within a second temperature range for at least a second time period.

11. The method of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein curing the non-pneumatic tire comprises applying pressure to at least a portion of the incompletely cured non-pneumatic tire.

12. A mold assembly for curing an associated non-pneumatic tire, the associated non-pneumatic tire comprising an associated amount of uncured material disposed peripherally about an associated rim, wherein the associated rim comprises an associated annular wall and an associated flange wall, the mold assembly comprising: a first mold section including an interior surface portion at least partially defining a first mold cavity portion having a longitudinal axis, the first mold section being thermally coupled to a primary conductive heat source; a second mold section displaceable relative to the first mold section between a first position in which the second mold section extends at least partially across the first mold cavity portion and a second position in which the first mold cavity portion is usable for loading and unloading an associated non-pneumatic tire; a first radiant heat source operable independently of the primary conductive heat source, the first radiant heat source disposed within the first mold cavity portion and spaced inwardly from the interior surface portion such that an annular gap is disposed therebetween, wherein the annular gap is sized to receive at least a portion of the associated annular wall of the associated rim and at least a portion of the associated amount of uncured material; and, and a second radiant heat source, the second radiant heat source being operable independently of the primary conductive heat source, the second radiant heat source being supported on the second mold segment and being shiftable therewith between the first position and the second position of the second mold segment, wherein in the first position of the second mold segment the second radiant heat source is axially spaced apart from the first radiant heat source to receive the associated flange wall of the associated rim between the first radiant heat source and the second radiant heat source.

13. The mold assembly of claim 12, further comprising a first temperature sensor positioned along the first mold section for thermal coupling with the associated annular wall of the associated rim.

14. The mold assembly of any one of claims 12 and 13, further comprising a second temperature sensor positioned along the second mold section for thermal coupling with one of the associated annular wall and the associated flange wall of the associated rim.

15. A mold assembly according to any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein the first radiant heat source includes a base wall, wherein a first plurality of radiant elements are supported on the base wall, and the first plurality of radiant elements are positioned in a spaced relationship with each other around the base wall and face radially outward toward the inner surface portion of the first mold segment.

16. A mold assembly according to any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein the second radiant heat source includes a base wall, wherein a second plurality of radiant elements are supported on the base wall, and the second plurality of radiant elements are positioned in a spaced relationship with each other around the base wall and face radially outward toward the inner surface portion of the first mold segment.

17. The mold assembly of claim 16, wherein the first mold cavity portion at least partially defines a mold axis and a second plurality of radiating elements are oriented at an acute angle relative to the mold axis such that the second plurality of radiating elements face radially outwardly toward the associated annular wall and axially toward the associated flange wall of the associated rim.

18. The mold assembly of any one of claims 12 and 13, further comprising an interstitial curing system disposed within the first mold cavity portion, the interstitial curing system being in thermal communication with the primary conductive heat source.

19. A tire curing system for curing a non-pneumatic tire, the tire curing system comprising: The mold assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 18; and, a processor communicatively coupled to a memory and to the primary conductive heat source, the first radiant heat source, and the second radiant heat source, the memory including instructions to: operating the primary conductive heat source at a first nominal temperature for a first period of time; operating the first radiant heat source at a second nominal temperature for a second time period that is less than the first time period; and, The second radiant heat source is operated at a third nominal temperature for a third time period that is less than the first time period.

20. The tire curing system of claim 19, wherein the mold assembly includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, and the memory includes instructions to receive outputs from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor related to the temperature of the associated rim and to operate at least one of the first radiant heat source and the second radiant heat source based on the outputs.

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