Curing Mold Assembly and Manufacturing Method for Non-Pneumatic Tires

Abstract

A mold assembly for curing a non-pneumatic tire includes a first mold section and a second mold section axially displaceable relative to one another. A primary conductive heat source is in thermal communication with 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. The non-pneumatic tire is positioned with the mold assembly between the radiant heat sources. A tire curing system including such a mold assembly and a method of manufacturing a non-pneumatic tire are also included.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to the art of vehicle tire manufacturing, and more particularly to a mold assembly for curing non-pneumatic tires and a method of manufacturing non-pneumatic tires using such a mold assembly.

[0002] The subject matter of the present disclosure can find particular uses and applications in conjunction with components for wheeled vehicles, and is shown and described herein with reference thereto. However, it should be understood that the subject matter of the present disclosure is also suitable for use in other applications and environments, and the specific uses shown and described herein are merely exemplary.

Background Art

[0003] Conventional pneumatic tires include a tire casing having a tread configured to engage a road surface or other ground surface formed on or along the outer surface of the tire casing. The tire casing includes an annular body formed from a plurality of layers and / or plies (e.g., radial plies, belt plies), and opposing sidewalls extend radially inwardly along the shoulders of the annular body and extend to beads that form the radially inner extent of the sidewalls. The inner surface of the annular body and the opposing sidewalls are covered by an inner liner that defines the tire chamber of the pneumatic tire.

[0004] In a conventional tire manufacturing process, a "green" or other uncured tire carcass and tread assembly 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 that includes a section of the tread pattern. The mold assembly is closed by the tire curing machine, and the tire curing press arranges the die segments to abut and engage the tread material of the uncured tire assembly. The tire curing machine also includes a curing bladder disposed inside the mold assembly such that the uncured tire assembly is spaced outside the curing bladder in an unexpanded state of the curing bladder. During the curing process, the curing bladder is expanded such that the curing bladder extends into the tire chamber of the uncured tire assembly and abuts and engages the inner liner. The tire curing machine introduces heat to the uncured tire assembly while under pressure from the mold assembly and the expanded curing bladder, and vulcanizes or crosslinks the uncured tire material to form a finished tire.

[0005] The manufacturing process for so-called non-pneumatic tires is at least different from the processes generally associated with conventional pneumatic tires in that at least some non-pneumatic tires include a relatively rigid rim or other annular structure on or around which at least a portion of the tire tread extends. In many cases, the rim or other annular structure can be formed from 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 an elastomeric material and / or an adhesive. In such cases, the elastomeric material and / or the adhesive material may be subject to a vulcanization or other curing process that introduces heat and / or pressure to the "green" or other uncured tire material.

[0006] It has been recognized that there are certain challenges in uniformly heating a combination of materials during such vulcanization or other curing processes. For example, heating a "green" or other uncured non-pneumatic tire assembly too quickly or too slowly can cause some parts of the non-pneumatic tire assembly to over-cure while other parts of the same non-pneumatic tire assembly remain under-cured. In some cases, attempts have been made to address this problem by introducing heat from opposite directions (e.g., from radially inward and radially outward directions) during conventional curing processes. However, such efforts do not appear to take into account the mass and / or geometric shape of any relatively rigid rim or other annular structure incorporated into the non-pneumatic tire. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly, it is desirable to develop a mold assembly and a manufacturing method that can help overcome the foregoing and / or other problems and / or disadvantages of the prior art and / or can otherwise advance the manufacture of non-pneumatic tires.

[0008] An example of a method of manufacturing a non-pneumatic tire according to the subject matter of the present disclosure can include providing a first mold section. The first mold section can include an inner surface portion that at least partially defines a first mold cavity portion. The first mold section can be thermally coupled to a first heat source and can include a second heat source operable independently of the first heat source. The second heat source can be disposed within the first mold cavity portion and spaced inwardly from the inner surface portion such that an annular gap is disposed between the second heat source and the inner surface portion. The method can also include providing an uncured non-pneumatic tire that has a rotational axis and includes a rim having an amount of uncured material disposed around the rim. The rim can include an annular wall portion extending circumferentially about the rotational axis and a flange wall portion extending radially inwardly along the annular wall portion. The amount of uncured material can be disposed radially outward of the annular wall portion. The flange wall portion can be oriented transversely to the rotational axis and can include a first flange side and a second flange side. The method can further include positioning the uncured non-pneumatic tire along the first mold section such 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 can face toward the second heat source and the second flange side of the flange wall portion can face away from the second heat source. The method can also include providing a second mold section that includes a third heat source operable independently of at least the first heat source. The method can further include positioning the second mold section across the first mold cavity portion such that the third heat source is disposed facing the second flange side of the flange wall portion. The method can also include curing the non-pneumatic tire.

[0009] An example of a mold assembly according to the subject matter of the present disclosure may be suitable for curing an associated non-pneumatic tire that includes an associated amount of not fully cured material disposed circumferentially of an associated rim. The associated rim can include an associated annular wall and an associated flange wall. The mold assembly can include a first mold section and a second mold section. The first mold section can include an inner surface portion that at least partially defines a first mold cavity portion having a longitudinal axis. The first mold section can be thermally coupled to a primary conductive heat source. The second mold section can be displaceable relative to the first mold section between a first position where the second mold section extends at least partially over the first mold cavity portion and a second position where the first mold cavity portion is accessible for loading and removing the associated non-pneumatic tire. The mold assembly also includes a first radiant heat source operable independently of the primary conductive heat source. The first radiant heat source can be disposed within the first mold cavity portion and spaced inwardly from the inner surface portion such that an annular gap is disposed between the first radiant heat source and the inner surface portion. The annular gap can be dimensioned 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 not fully cured material. The mold assembly further includes a second radiant heat source operable independently of the primary conductive heat source. The second radiant heat source can be supported on the second mold section and displaceable with the second mold section between the first position and the second position of the second mold section. The second radiant heat source can be axially spaced from the first radiant heat source at the first position of the second mold section 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 can include the mold assembly according to the foregoing paragraphs. The tire curing system can also include a memory, and a processor communicatively coupled to a primary conductive heat source, a first radiant heat source, and a second radiant heat source. The memory can include instructions to operate the primary conductive heat source for a first period at a first nominal temperature. The memory can also include instructions to operate the first radiant heat source for a second period that is shorter than the first period at a second nominal temperature. The memory can further include instructions to operate the second radiant heat source for a third period that is shorter than the first period at a third nominal temperature.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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[0012] Referring now to the drawings, it is to be understood that the drawings are for the purpose of illustrating examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting. Additionally, the drawings are not to scale and portions of certain features and / or elements may be exaggerated for clarity and ease of understanding.

[0013] For purposes of background and discussion, and without acting as a limitation, FIGS. 1 and 4 illustrate an example of a non-pneumatic tire that is dimensioned to cure within a mold assembly and / or configured in another manner according to the subject matter of the present disclosure and / or by a manufacturing method according to the subject matter of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that various types, kinds, and / or structures of non-pneumatic tires have been developed and / or used in different applications and / or environments, and that the non-pneumatic tires shown and described herein are merely exemplary.

[0014] As one non-limiting example, a non-pneumatic tire (or tire assembly) 100 that is not fully cured is shown in FIGS. 1-8 as having a longitudinal axis AX and can extend axially from an end 102 to an end 104 opposite the end 102. The non-pneumatic tire 100 that is not fully cured can include an annular ring 106 that extends circumferentially about the axis AX and a structure 108 disposed outside at least a portion of the annular ring 106 and extending circumferentially about the axis AX. The non-pneumatic tire 100 that is not fully cured can also include an annular ring 110 that extends circumferentially in the circumferential direction of the axis AX, and at least a portion of the annular ring 110 is disposed outside the annular ring 106 and / or the structure 108. The non-pneumatic tire 100 that is not fully cured can further include a tread body 112 that extends circumferentially around the axis AX, and at least a portion of the tread body 112 is disposed outside the annular ring 110.

[0015] It will be appreciated that the mold assembly and manufacturing method according to the subject matter of the present disclosure are used to transfer a non-pneumatic tire formed from a material that is not fully cured or otherwise having one or more portions that include one or more amounts of a material that is not fully cured to a non-pneumatic tire in which all or substantially all of its parts are substantially fully crosslinked, vulcanized, and / or otherwise cured. It should be recognized and understood that such one or more amounts of a material that is not fully cured can include elastomeric materials such as, for example, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and / or thermoplastic elastomers. Additionally, or alternatively, such one or more amounts of a material that is not fully cured can include an adhesive material. Thus, any one or more of the foregoing components of the non-pneumatic tire 100 can include one or more amounts of a material that transitions from a state that is not fully cured to a state that is at least substantially fully cured, and it will be recognized and understood that the arrangement of the non-pneumatic tire 100 shown and described herein is merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting.

[0016] The annular ring 106 can be of any suitable size, shape, and / or configuration and can include any suitable number of one or more walls and / or wall portions. As one non-limiting example, the annular ring may be a part of the outer wall or an outer wall portion of the vehicle wheel or rim 114, or otherwise at least partially formed, as represented in FIGS. 1-4, 7, and 8. In an exemplary arrangement, the annular ring 106 can include a ring wall 116 that extends axially between a ring edge 118 disposed toward the end 102 and a ring edge 120 disposed toward the end 104 in an axially spaced relationship to the ring edge 118. The ring wall 116 of the annular ring 106 can also include an outer surface portion 122 that faces radially outward and extends circumferentially about the longitudinal axis AX and axially between the ends 102 and 104. The ring wall 116 of the ring wall portion 106 can further include an inner surface portion 124 that extends circumferentially about the longitudinal axis AX and faces radially inward along and / or between the ends 102 and / or 104.

[0017] The vehicle rim 114 also includes an attachment hub or flange 126 operably connected to the annular ring 106, such as by a fluid material joint 128. The attachment flange 126 extends radially inward therefrom 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 attachment flange 126 can include a hub or flange wall 130 having a connector wall portion 132, the connector wall portion being disposed along and operably connected to the ring wall 116, such as by a fluid material joint 128. The flange wall 130 can also include an attachment wall portion 134 disposed radially inward of the connector wall portion 132 and oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis AX. The attachment wall portion 134 can be dimensioned and / or otherwise adapted to be attached in a conventional manner on or along a related component or device, such as an axle of the associated vehicle, for example, by bolt holes 136. In some cases, the flange wall 130 can include an intermediate wall portion 138 extending between and operably interconnecting the connector wall portion 132 and the attachment wall portion 134.

[0018] 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 attachment flange 126 is disposed at least partially within the rim cavity 140 and extends at least partially across the rim cavity such that the rim cavity is separated into rim cavity portions 140A and 140B. In such an arrangement, one or more walls and / or wall portions of the attachment flange 126 separate or otherwise impede one rim cavity portion from a portion of the annular ring 106. By way of example, the connector wall portion 132, the attachment wall portion 134, and / or the intermediate wall portion 138 can separate or otherwise impede the rim cavity portion 140A from, for example, the section 142 of the ring wall 116, such as in the direction of heat transfer represented by the arrow HT1 in FIG. 3. Additionally or alternatively, the connector wall portion 132, the attachment wall portion 134, and / or the intermediate wall portion 138 can separate or otherwise impede the rim cavity portion 140B from, for example, the section 144 of the ring wall 116, such as in the direction of heat transfer represented by the arrow HT2 in FIG. 3.

[0019] In a preferred arrangement, all or substantially all of the amount of the non-cured material of the non-pneumatic tire can be disposed radially outward of the annular ring 106. In a non-limiting example, the structure 108 can include an inner wrap or inner layer 146 and an outer wrap or outer layer 148 disposed radially outward of the inner layer 146. The inner layer 146 and the outer layer 148 extend axially between the ends 102 and 104, 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 can 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 can at least partially define an inner surface portion 158 of the structure 108 that extends circumferentially about the longitudinal axis AX and axially between the ends 102 and 104. The outer layer 148 can at least partially define an outer surface portion 160 of the structure 108 that extends circumferentially about the longitudinal axis AX and axially between the ends 102 and 104.

[0020] The structure 108 also includes a plurality of support structures 162 that extend between and operably interconnect the inner layer 146 and the outer layer 148. It will be understood that the support structures 162 may be of 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 one non-limiting example, the support structure 162 can extend axially from an edge 164 disposed toward the end 102 to an edge 166 disposed toward the end 104. The support structure 162 can 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 to the end 168. The support structure 162 is shown and described herein as having a curved or otherwise non-linear profile along a plane taken transverse to the longitudinal axis AX. By way of example, the support structure 162 can include a concave portion 172 facing in one circumferential direction and a convex portion 174 facing in the opposite circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis AX. However, it will be understood that such a configuration is merely exemplary and that other shapes and / or profiles may alternatively be used.

[0021] The support structure 162 is arranged such that a plurality of spaces 176 are also circumferentially spaced from each other around the longitudinal axis, with one of the spaces 176 being arranged between adjacent ones of the support structure 162, in a circumferentially spaced relationship around the longitudinal axis AX. In such an arrangement, the spaces 176 can have a substantially crescent-shaped cross-sectional profile or configuration, with the concave portion 172 of one support structure 162 and the convex portion 174 of the adjacent support structure 162 at least partially defining the circumferentially spaced sides of the space 176. Optionally, the support structure 162 can extend into or otherwise be at least partially embedded within the inner layer 146 and / or the outer layer 148. In such a case, a portion 178 of the inner layer 146 can at least partially define the end face portion 180 of the space 176, and can have, for example, a curved or otherwise non-linear cross-sectional shape and / or configuration. Additionally or alternatively, a portion 182 of the outer layer 148 can at least partially define the end face portion 184 of the space 176, and can have, for example, a curved or otherwise non-linear cross-sectional shape and / or configuration.

[0022] It will be understood that the annular ring 110 can be of any suitable size, shape, and / or configuration and can include any suitable number of one or more walls and / or wall portions. As one non-limiting example, the annular ring 110 can include a ring wall portion (or ring wall portions) 186 that extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis AX. The ring wall portion 186 can extend axially between a ring edge 188 disposed toward the end 102 and a ring edge 190 disposed toward the end 104 in an axially spaced relationship relative to the ring edge 188. The ring wall portion 186 can include an inner face portion 192 that faces radially outward and extends circumferentially about the longitudinal axis AX and axially between the ends 102 and 104. The ring wall portion 186 can also include an outer face portion 194 that extends circumferentially about the longitudinal axis AX and faces radially outward along and / or between the ends 102 and / or 104.

[0023] The tread body 112 can extend axially between the ends 102 and 104, the tread edge 196 is disposed along the end 102, and the tread edge 198 is disposed along the end 104. The tread body 112 can also include an inner surface portion 200 facing radially inward and an outer surface portion 202 facing radially outward. One or more tread structures 204 (e.g., grooves, ribs, lugs, sipes) can optionally be pre-formed on the tread body 112 along the outer surface portion 202 of the non-pneumatic tire 100 that is not fully cured, or alternatively can extend into the tread body, and 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.

[0024] As described above, one or more walls and / or wall portions of the non-pneumatic tire 100 can be formed from one or more amounts of material that are not fully cured (e.g., an elastomeric material and / or an adhesive material) such that at least these walls and / or wall portions are curable using the mold assembly and / or manufacturing method according to the subject matter of the present disclosure. For example, the tread body 112 can be at least partially formed from one or more amounts of an elastomeric material that is not fully cured. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the inner layer 146 and / or the outer layer 148 of the structure 108 can be at least partially formed from an elastomer and / or an adhesive material that is not fully cured. As a further example, and / or as another alternative, the support structure 162 can optionally include one or more layers of an elastomer and / or an adhesive material that is not fully cured. As a non-limiting example of such a structure, the support structure 162 can in some cases be at least partially formed from a sheet of a relatively rigid material (e.g., metal, fiber-reinforced composite) whose ends 168 and 170 can be at least partially embedded in or otherwise disposed within the inner layer 146 and the outer layer 148 of the structure 108, respectively. Additionally, or alternatively, a layer of an elastomer and / or an adhesive material that is not fully cured can extend along and / or at least partially define the concave portion 172 and / or the convex portion 174. As another non-limiting example, the support structure 162 can be at least partially formed from a plurality of relatively rigid wires and / or filaments disposed adjacent to each other and can be at least partially embedded with an amount of an elastomer and / or an adhesive material that is not fully cured to at least partially form a sheet-like structure.

[0025] The non-pneumatic tire 100 that is not fully cured can be understood to include any suitable elastomeric material or combination of elastomeric materials, such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and / or thermoplastic elastomers. Further, it will be recognized and understood that, in some cases, various components can be formed from a common non-fully cured elastomeric material. However, in other cases, two or more compositions, compounds, and / or grades of non-fully cured elastomeric materials can be used. Terms such as "less than fully cured" as used herein refer to an elastomeric material having polymer chains that crosslink or otherwise bond when exposed to heat, pressure, and / or chemical compounds, having a material and / or mechanical property substantially different from a "fully cured" or "substantially fully cured" elastomeric material having a "fully cured" elastomeric material. One non-limiting example of a suitable curing process includes vulcanization of natural rubber elastomers and synthetic rubber elastomers.

[0026] It will be understood that any combination of one or more not fully cured elastomeric materials can be used in, or otherwise included in, a not fully cured non-pneumatic tire, such as non-pneumatic tire 100. As one non-limiting example, not fully cured non-pneumatic tire 100 can include one or more amounts of elastomer and / or adhesive material, substantially all of each of which is in an "uncured" or substantially fully uncured state. As another non-limiting example, not fully cured non-pneumatic tire 100 can include one or more amounts of elastomer and / or adhesive material in an "uncured" or substantially fully uncured state, and one or more amounts of elastomer and / or adhesive material in at least a partially cured state. As a further non-limiting example, not fully cured non-pneumatic tire 100 can include one or more amounts of elastomer and / or adhesive material in a partially cured but not fully cured state. Thus, it should be recognized and understood that not fully cured non-pneumatic tire 100 can include one or more amounts of "uncured" or substantially fully uncured elastomer and / or adhesive material, or one or more amounts of elastomer and / or adhesive material that is partially cured but not fully cured, or one or more amounts of "uncured" or substantially fully uncured elastomer and / or adhesive material and one or more amounts of elastomer and / or adhesive material that is partially cured but not fully cured, but is not limited thereto.

[0027] Figures 5 and 6 schematically illustrate a conventional tire curing press 300, other than having a press base 302 with a base attachment surface 304. The tire curing press 300 also includes a press head 306 having a head attachment surface 308. The press head 306 is movable relative to the press base 302, for example, along a linear guide rod 310 in a conventional manner. The press head 306 is shown in Figure 5 as being disposed in a first position, i.e., a raised position, movable to a second position, i.e., a lowered position, shown in Figure 6, and this movement is represented by arrow 312 in Figure 5. The tire curing press 300 can include one or more pressurized fluid sources, one or more heated fluid sources, and / or one or more vacuum sources, as schematically represented in Figures 5 and 6 by dashed boxes 314, 316, and 318, respectively, and can be included on, along, or operatively associated with the press base 302 and / or the press head 306, as is well known in the art. The tire curing press 300 can further include a control system 320 communicatively coupled to one or more components and / or systems of the tire curing press and adapted for its selective operation according to the subject matter of the present disclosure. It will be understood that the control system 320 can be included on, along, or otherwise operatively associated with the press base 302, the press head 306, and / or any other components and / or systems of the tire curing press 300 that may be otherwise known in the art.

[0028] The mold assembly 400 according to the subject matter of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 5-8 as being operably supported within, on, or along the tire curing press 300. The mold assembly 400 includes a mold section 402 supported on or along the base attachment surface 304 of the press base 302, and a mold section 404 supported on or along the head attachment surface 308 of the press head 306. The mold section 402 and / or 404 can be operably connected in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source 314 and / or a heated fluid source 316 in any suitable manner for transferring pressurized fluid to and / or from the mold section, for example, via one or more conduits or passages 406 (FIG. 8).

[0029] The mold assembly 400 includes a mold axis MAX extending in or along the direction of movement 312 of the tire curing press 300. Thus, the mold sections 402 and 404 are axially displaceable relative to each other during operation of the tire curing press, and the mold sections 402 and 404 are shown spaced apart in FIG. 5 representing the open state of the mold assembly, and the mold sections 402 and 404 are shown coextensively engaged with each other in FIG. 6 representing the closed state of the mold assembly. The mold section 402 can optionally include an intervening curing system 408. Additionally, the mold section 402 can optionally include a plurality of tread die segments 410 circumferentially disposed about the intervening curing system 408 so as to at least partially define a mold cavity 412 within the mold section 402. The mold section 404 includes a surface portion 414 that at least partially defines a mold cavity 416 within the mold section. The mold cavity 416 is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the mold section 402 in the closed state of the mold assembly. Optionally, the outer surface portion 418 of the tread die segment 410 can abut and engage the surface portion 414 of the mold section 404 as the mold section moves towards the closed state.

[0030] For example, as represented by arrow 322 in FIG. 5 and shown in FIG. 6, a non-pneumatic tire 100 that is not fully cured is loaded into the mold cavity 416 or, in a state disposed within the mold cavity, the tread die segment 410 is displaced radially inward so as to engage with the tread body 112 of the non-pneumatic tire 100 that is not fully cured. 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. In addition, such radial compression biases the inner surface portion 192 of the annular ring 110 to engage with the outer surface portion 160 of the structure 108. In some cases, such radial compression can also bias the inner surface portion 158 of the structure 108 to engage with the outer surface portion 122 of the annular ring 106. Further, the tread die segment 410 includes an inner surface portion 420 that generally faces a surface portion 418 that at least partially defines the mold cavity 412. In some cases, additional features can be formed on or along the inner surface portion 420, such as extending along the outer surface portion 202 of the tread body 112 so as to engage with the tread body 112 under such radial compression to at least partially define a ground-engaging tread pattern (e.g., grooves, ribs, lugs, sipes) on or along the non-pneumatic tire 100.

[0031] Depending on the configuration and / or structure of a non-pneumatic tire (e.g., non-pneumatic tire 100) that is not fully cured and is intended to use a mold assembly according to the subject matter of the present disclosure, the mold assembly may optionally include an intervening curing system that can axially coextend and interengage with a plurality of support structures (e.g., support structure 162) and a plurality of alternating spaces (e.g., space 176) for applying heat and / or pressure to the support structure and / or adjacent wall portions (e.g., inner layer 146 and / or outer layer 148). It will be understood that any suitable type, kind, and / or configuration of intervening curing system can be used if included. As one non-limiting example, the intervening curing system 408 can include a plurality of curing shoe assemblies 422 operably associated with the mold section 402 and / or the mold section 404, as represented by the dashed lines in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8.

[0032] In a preferred arrangement, the curing shoe assemblies 422 are configured such that when the non-pneumatic tire 100 that is not fully cured is positioned within the mold cavity 412, one or more of the curing shoe assemblies are disposed within one of the spaces 176. In such an arrangement, the curing shoe assemblies 422 can be selectively actuated and deactivated (or otherwise released), such that the curing shoes engage and disengage corresponding to one or more walls and / or wall portions of the structure 108. In the engaged state, the curing shoe assemblies can apply surface pressure and / or transfer heat to the structure 108, and can operate, for example, to transition one or more walls and / or wall portions of a structure formed from an elastomeric material that is not fully cured to an elastomeric material that is substantially cured.

[0033] As described above, the non-pneumatic tire 100 that is not fully cured can be transitioned to a substantially fully cured non-pneumatic tire by applying pressure and / or transferring heat to one or more amounts of non-fully cured material of the non-pneumatic tire. The application of pressure can be achieved in any suitable manner, such as, for example, through the radially inward displacement of a conventional tread die segment 410 in other respects. Additionally, the transfer of heat to one or more amounts of non-fully cured material (or materials) can be provided at least in part through other conventional primary heat sources, such as those represented in FIGS. 5 and 6 by the heated fluid source 316. It will be appreciated that a conventional tire curing system transfers heated fluid through one or more sections of the mold assembly. During a conventional curing process, the heated mold section(s) transfer heat to one or more amounts of non-fully cured material(s), and such heat transfer occurs primarily by heat conduction from the heated mold section(s) to one or more amounts of non-fully cured material(s).

[0034] A variety of conventional fluid communication systems are known and have been used to transfer heated fluid into, out of, and / or otherwise through other conventional die sections. As a non-limiting example of such an arrangement, a primary heat source (e.g., heated fluid source 316) can transfer heated fluid 424 (e.g., air, steam, water, oil) into, out of, and / or otherwise through die section 402 via a conduit or passage 406. In some cases, the tread die segment 410 can include one or more passages and / or cavities 426 through which the heated fluid 424 can circulate or otherwise flow, thereby transferring heat to the tread die segment. Additionally or alternatively, the curing shoe assembly 422 can include one or more passages and / or cavities 428 through which the heated fluid 424 can circulate or otherwise flow, thereby transferring heat to the curing shoe assembly. Additionally or alternatively, any one or more of the foregoing arrangements for circulation and / or other flow of heated fluid through die section 402 is equally applicable to die section 404. Conductive heat transfer using the circulation and / or flow of heated fluid 424 through die sections 402 and / or 404 and any associated curing shoe assemblies (e.g., curing shoe assembly 422), when included, is understood to collectively represent a conventional primary heat source operably associated with die assembly 400.

[0035] The mass of a rim (e.g., rim 114) of a non-pneumatic tire that is not fully cured (e.g., non-pneumatic tire 100) can, for example, as described above, undesirably affect the conductive heat transfer from a conventional primary heat source to one or more amounts of non-fully cured material of the non-pneumatic tire. Additionally, it has been recognized that the configuration and / or geometry of the wall and / or wall portions of the rim can also undesirably affect such conventional conductive heat transfer. Thus, the mold assembly and manufacturing method according to the subject matter of the present disclosure includes and / or selectively operates one or more radiant heat sources provided in addition to and separate from the primary conductive heat source. Further, the one or more radiant heat sources are controllable independently of the primary conductive heat source to selectively direct heat transfer into or towards the rim of the non-pneumatic tire. In some cases, the one or more radiant heat sources may be controllable independently of the primary conductive heat source. If two or more radiant heat sources are included, the two radiant heat sources may be controllable independently of each other. Further, in a preferred arrangement, at least one of the two or more radiant heat sources is operably disposed along one mold section (e.g., mold section 402) of a mold assembly (e.g., mold assembly 400), and at least a different one of the two or more radiant heat sources is operably disposed on or along a different mold section (e.g., mold section 404) of the mold assembly (e.g., mold assembly 400).

[0036] As a non-limiting example, the mold assembly 400 can include a radiant heat source 430 operably supported on or along the mold section 402 and a radiant heat source 432 operably supported on or along the mold section 404. The radiant heat source 430 is shown as being disposed on or along the mold section 402 within the mold cavity 416. Also, the radiant heat source 430 is disposed within the mold cavity 416 such that an annular space or gap GP1 is formed between the radiant heat source and the surface portion 414 of the tread die segment 410, and at least a portion of the non-pneumatic tire 100 can be disposed within the gap GP1. In such an arrangement, at least a portion of the non-pneumatic tire 100 has an axial extent that is the same as that of the radiant heat source 430, the annular ring 106 is disposed toward the radiant heat source, and the tread body 112 is disposed outward of the radiant heat source in a direction toward the tread die segment 410. The radiant heat source 432 is shown as being supported on or along the mold section 404 and positioned within the mold cavity 416 in the closed position of the mold assembly 100. Additionally, the radiant heat source 432 is disposed within the mold cavity 416 such that an annular space or gap GP2 is formed between the radiant heat source and the surface portion 414 of the tread die segment 410 in the closed position of the mold assembly. In such an arrangement, at least a portion of the non-pneumatic tire 100 is also positioned within the gap GP2, and at least a portion of the non-pneumatic tire 100 has an axial extent that is the same as that of the radiant heat source 432.

[0037] The radiant heat source 430 can include a base wall 434 operably connected to the mold section 402, and one or more radiant heating elements are operably supported on or along the base wall. In the arrangements shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, for example, the radiant heat source 430 can include a plurality of radiant heating elements 436 spaced apart from each other circumferentially about the base wall 434 and / or axially along the base wall. In such an arrangement, the radiant heating elements 436 can face transversely to the mold axis MAX such that the radiant heating elements face radially outwardly toward the ring wall 116 of the annular ring 106. In some cases, the radiant heating elements 436 can be arranged in a faceted or some other cylindrical orientation and selectively operated to direct radiant heat toward a section 144 of the ring wall 116, as represented by arrow RH1.

[0038] The radiant heat source 432 can include a base wall 438 operably connected to the mold section 404, and one or more radiant heating elements are operably supported on or along the base wall. For example, in the arrangements shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the radiant heat source 432 can include a plurality of radiant heating elements 440 spaced apart from each other circumferentially about the base wall 438. In a preferred arrangement, the radiant heating elements 440 are oriented at an acute included angle with respect to the mold axis MAX, as represented, for example, by the reference dimension AG1 in FIG. 8. In such an arrangement, the radiant heating elements 440 face radially outwardly toward the ring wall 116 of the annular ring 106 and axially toward at least a portion of the mounting flange 126. The radiant heating elements 440 can be arranged in a faceted or some other frustoconical orientation and selectively operated to direct radiant heat toward a section 142 of the ring wall 116 and toward one or more portions of the mounting flange 126, as represented by arrow RH2.

[0039] It will be appreciated that the radiant heat sources 430 and 432 can utilize any suitable energy source for the generation of radiant heat. As an example, one or both of the radiant heat sources can utilize a combustion process to generate radiant heat, such as by using one or more gas combustion panels. Additionally or alternatively, the radiant heat source 430, the radiant heat source 432, or both the radiant heat sources 430 and 432 can utilize electricity to generate radiant heat, such as by using one or more resistive heating elements.

[0040] As described above, the radiant heat sources 430 and 432 can be selectively controlled independently of the primary conductive heat source (e.g., the heated fluid source 316). Further, the radiant heat sources 430 and 432 can be selectively controlled independently of each other. It should be understood that such selective operation and / or control of the primary conductive heat source 316 and the radiant heat sources 430 and / or 432 can be achieved in any suitable manner and through the use of any suitable combination of components and / or systems. As a non-limiting example, the control system 320 of the tire curing press 300 can be communicatively coupled to the mold assembly 400 or otherwise operably associated for the selective operation and / or control of the radiant heat sources 430 and 432 and the primary conductive heat source 316.

[0041] As a non-limiting example, the control system 320 can include a controller 324 communicatively coupled to various devices, components, and / or systems of the tire curing press 300 and / or the mold assembly 400, and can be suitable, for example, for transmitting, receiving, and / or otherwise communicating signals, data, values, and / or information between the controller and one or more of such devices, components, and / or systems. It will be understood that the controller 324 can include any suitable hardware, software, and / or combinations thereof for the configuration and operation of the tire sensing system according to the subject matter of the present disclosure. For example, the controller 324 can be of any suitable type, kind, and / or configuration of processing device, such as a microprocessor, for processing data, executing software routines / programs, and performing other functions related to the performance and / or operation of the tire curing press 300 and / or the mold assembly 400. Additionally, the controller can include any suitable type, kind, and / or configuration of memory that can be used to store software, parameters, settings, inputs, data, values, and / or other information for use in connection with the performance and / or operation of the tire curing press 300 and / or the mold assembly 400. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 11, the controller 324 includes a microprocessor 326 and a memory 328 including boxes 328A and 328B.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 11, the controller 324 can optionally include a motion control module 330 that can request, receive, process, store, and / or otherwise transfer data, values, information, signals, and / or communications into, out of, and / or within the tire curing press 300 and / or the mold assembly 400, for example, the operation of the motion actuator 318 and / or the movement of the mold sections 402 and / or 404 to and from the open and closed positions as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively, and / or movement between the open and closed positions, or be associated therewith. In some cases, the motion control module 330 can request, receive, process, and / or store data, values, information, signals, and / or communications that can be associated with, for example, the operation of the motion actuator 318 as represented by box 332 in FIG. 11, and / or the movement of the mold sections 402 and / or 404 to, from, and / or between the open and closed positions, and that can be stored in the memory 328.

[0043] The controller 324 can include a thermal control module 334 that can request, receive, process, store, and / or otherwise transfer data, values, information, signals, and / or communications into and / or out of the tire curing press 300 and / or the mold assembly 400, and that is associated with or related to the transition of a non-pneumatic tire formed from a material that is not fully cured or otherwise having one or more portions containing one or more amounts of a material that is not fully cured, to a non-pneumatic tire in which all or substantially all of its portions are substantially fully crosslinked, vulcanized, and / or otherwise cured, for example, in relation to the operation of the primary conductive heat source 316 and / or the circulation and / or transfer of a heating fluid into and / or out of and / or otherwise through the mold assembly 400. Optionally, the thermal control module 334 can request, receive, process, and / or store data, values, information, signals, and / or communications that can be stored in the memory 328, as represented, for example, by the box 332 of FIG. 11, and that are associated with or related to the operation of the primary conductive heat source 316 and / or the circulation and / or transfer of a heating fluid into, from, and / or otherwise through the mold assembly 400.

[0044] The controller 324 can include a thermal control module 336 that can request, receive, process, store, and / or otherwise transfer data, values, information, signals, and / or communications into and / or out of the tire curing press 300 and / or the mold assembly 400 that are associated with or related to the operation of the radiant heat source 430 and / or the transfer of radiant heat to the rim 114. Optionally, the thermal control module 336 can request, receive, process, and / or store data, values, information, signals, and / or communications that can be stored in the memory 328, as represented, for example, by the box 332 of FIG. 11, and that are associated with or related to the operation of the radiant heat source 430 and / or the transfer of radiant heat to the rim 114.

[0045] The controller 324 can include a thermal control module 338 that can request, receive, process, store, and / or otherwise transfer data, values, information, signals, and / or communications in and / or out of the tire curing press 300 and / or the mold assembly 400 that may be related or associated with the operation of the radiant heat source 432 and / or the transfer of radiant heat to the rim 114. Optionally, the thermal control module 336 can request, receive, process, and / or store data, values, information, signals, and / or communications related to or associated with the operation of the radiant heat source 432 and / or the transfer of radiant heat to the rim 114 that can be stored in the memory 328, for example, as represented by box 332 of FIG. 11.

[0046] It will be appreciated that the transition of a non-pneumatic tire formed from a material that is not fully cured or otherwise having one or more portions containing one or more amounts of a material that is not fully cured to a non-pneumatic tire in which all or substantially all of its parts are substantially fully crosslinked, vulcanized, and / or otherwise cured can be monitored or controlled in any suitable manner. As one non-limiting example, the transition from a non-pneumatic tire that is not fully cured to a non-pneumatic tire that is substantially fully cured can be at least partially controlled as a function of time. As another non-limiting example, the transition from a non-pneumatic tire that is not fully cured to a non-pneumatic tire that is substantially fully cured can be at least partially controlled as a function of temperature. As a further non-limiting example, the transition from a non-pneumatic tire that is not fully cured to a non-pneumatic tire that is substantially fully cured can be at least partially controlled as a function of a combination of both time and temperature.

[0047] In such cases, the tire curing press 300 and / or the mold assembly 400 can include one or more temperature sensors operably associated therewith. As an example, the tire curing press 300 and / or the mold assembly 400 can include one or more sensors 340 operable to generate data, signals, and / or other communications regarding the temperature associated with the primary conductive heat source 316 and / or the circulation and / or transfer of heated fluid into, from, and / or otherwise through the mold assembly 400. Additionally or alternatively, the mold assembly 400 can include one or more sensors 442 operably associated with the mold section 402. Further, or as a further alternative, the mold assembly 400 can include one or more sensors 444 operably associated with the mold section 404.

[0048] In a preferred arrangement, the sensor 442 can be thermally coupled to one or more walls, wall portions, and / or sections of the rim 114 during at least a portion of the curing cycle in which the non-pneumatic tire that is not fully cured transitions to a non-pneumatic tire that is substantially fully cured, in the closed state of the mold assembly 400 and / or otherwise. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 8, the sensor 442 is disposed in thermal communication with a section 116A of the ring wall 116. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor 444 can be thermally coupled to one or more walls, wall portions, and / or sections of the rim 114 during at least a portion of the curing cycle in which the non-pneumatic tire that is not fully cured transitions to a non-pneumatic tire that is substantially fully cured, in the closed state of the mold assembly 400 and / or otherwise. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 8, the sensor 444 is disposed in thermal communication with a section 116B of the ring wall 116 and along the attachment wall portion 134 of the flange wall 130.

[0049] Accordingly, the controller 324 can include a timing module 342 that can request, receive, process, store, and / or otherwise transfer data, values, information, signals, and / or communications within and / or outside of the tire curing press 300 and / or the mold assembly 400 that can be related or associated with 1) the timing and / or duration of operation of the primary conductive heat source 316 and / or the circulation and / or transfer 400 of the heating fluid into, from, and / or through the mold assembly, 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. Optionally, the timing module 342 can include a timer or counter. Additionally, optionally, the timing module 342 can request, receive, process, and / or store data, values, information, signals, and / or communications that can be related or associated with 1) the operation of the primary conductive heat source 316 and / or the timing and / or duration of the circulation and / or transfer of the heating fluid into, from, and / or 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, all of which can be stored in the memory 328, as represented, for example, by box 332 of FIG. 11.

[0050] The controller 324 can be communicatively coupled to any one or more of the sensors 340, 442, and / or 444. In such a case, the controller 324 can request, receive, process, store, and / or otherwise transfer data, values, information, signals, and / or communications into and / or out of the tire curing press 300 and / or the mold assembly 400 that can be related or associated with: 1) the temperature in relation to the primary conductive heat source 316 and / or the circulation and / or transfer of heated fluid into, out of, and / or otherwise through the mold assembly 400; 2) the temperature in relation to the operation of the radiant heat source 430; 3) the temperature in relation to the operation of the radiant heat source 432; and / or 4) the temperature associated with one or more walls and / or wall portions of the rim 114. Additionally, in some cases, the sensor module 344 can request, receive, process, and / or store data, values, information, signals, and / or communications that can be related or associated with: 1) the temperature in relation to the primary conductive heat source 316 and / or the circulation and / or transfer of heated fluid into, out of, and / or otherwise through the mold assembly 400; 2) the temperature in relation to the operation of the radiant heat source 430; 3) the temperature in relation to the operation of the radiant heat source 432; and / or 4) the temperature associated with one or more walls and / or wall portions of the rim 114, which can be stored in the memory 328, for example, as represented by box 332 of FIG. 11.

[0051] It will be appreciated that any suitable combination of curing cycle times, combinations of curing cycle temperatures, or combinations of curing cycle times and temperatures can be used. For example, the primary conductive heat source 316 can operate over a first cycle time t1, and the radiant heat source 430 can operate over a second cycle time t2 that is shorter than the first cycle time t1. Additionally, or alternatively, the radiant heat source 432 can operate over a third cycle time t3 that is shorter than the first cycle time t1. In some cases, the third cycle time t3 can be approximately equal to or less than the second cycle time t2. As another example, the primary conductive heat source 316 can be operated at a first nominal temperature T1, and the radiant heat source 430 can be operated at a second nominal temperature T2 that is lower than the first nominal temperature T1. Additionally, or alternatively, the radiant heat source 432 can be operated at a third nominal temperature T3 that is lower than the first nominal temperature T1. In some cases, the third nominal temperature T3 can be approximately equal to or less than the second nominal temperature T2. It will be appreciated that any combination of the foregoing cycle times and nominal temperatures can also be used.

[0052] One or more of the modules of the controller 324 shown and described herein as modules 330-338, 342, and 344 may be provided in any suitable manner, such as, for example, software, hardware, and / or a combination of hardware and software. In some cases, the modules 330-338, 342, and 344 may take the form of algorithms, routines, and / or programs. When provided wholly or in part as software, the configuration and operational modules of the controller 324 may be provided and stored in any suitable manner or arrangement. For example, all of the algorithms, routines, and / or programs may be integrated into a single software program where separate sections or portions of software code perform various actions and / or activities of the system. In another embodiment, two or more independent modules (e.g., algorithms, routines, and / or programs) may be used to perform various actions and / or activities of the system.

[0053] Further, the memory 328 can store or otherwise hold any suitable data, values, settings, software, algorithms, routines, programs, and / or any other information in any suitable manner or format. Also, in a preferred arrangement, the microprocessor 326 can communicate with the memory 328 and can operate to selectively access and / or process one or more of the data, values, information, algorithms, routines, and / or programs held within the memory stores 330-338, 342, and 344, alone or in combination. For example, the microprocessor 326 can operate to access, analyze, or otherwise utilize data and / or information that may be stored, for example, within the memory location 332 and can execute or otherwise process algorithms, routines, or programs, such as, for example, from the memory location modules 330, 334-338, 342, and 344.

[0054] The manufacturing method 500 according to the subject matter of the present disclosure for manufacturing the non-pneumatic tire shown in FIG. 12 can include providing a first mold section that includes a first radiant heat source, such as the mold section 402, as represented by reference numeral 502 in FIG. 12. The method 500 can also include providing an incompletely cured non-pneumatic tire 100 such that the rim of the incompletely cured non-pneumatic tire has an axially coextensive spread with the first radiant heat source, as shown by reference numerals 504 and 506 respectively, and positioning the incompletely cured non-pneumatic tire on or along the mold section. The method 500 further includes providing a second mold section that includes a second radiant heat source, such as the mold section 404, as represented by reference numeral 508 in FIG. 12. The method 500 can also include positioning the second mold section across the first mold section such that the second radiant heat source has an axially coextensive spread with the rim of the incompletely cured non-pneumatic tire, as shown by reference numeral 510 in FIG. 12. The method further concludes with curing the incompletely cured non-pneumatic tire through radiant heat transfer from the first radiant heat source and the second radiant heat source, as shown by reference numeral 512 in FIG. 12. In a preferred arrangement, curing the incompletely cured non-pneumatic tire can include curing in combination with conventional conductive heat transfer from a primary conductive heat source (e.g., the primary conductive heat source 316) and radiant heat transfer from the first radiant heat source and the second radiant heat source (e.g., the radiant heat sources 430 and / or 432).

[0055] When used herein in connection with a particular feature, element, component, and / or structure, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) may indicate a plurality of different singulars or be used to otherwise identify a particular feature, element, component, and / or structure and do not imply any order or sequence unless specifically defined by the terms of the claims. Further, terms such as "transverse" should be construed broadly. Thus, terms such as "transverse direction" can include a wide range of relative angular directions, including but not limited to substantially perpendicular angular directions. Additionally, terms such as "circumferential," "circumferentially," etc. should be construed broadly and can include, but are not limited to, circular shapes and / or configurations. In this regard, terms such as "circumferential," "circumferentially," etc. may be synonymous with terms such as "peripheral," "circumferentially," etc.

[0056] Furthermore, phrases such as "fluid material joint" as used herein, when a liquid or other fluid material (e.g., molten metal or combination of molten metals) is deposited or otherwise presented between adjacent components and operates to form a substantially fluid-tight connection fixed therebetween. Any joint or connection should be construed to be included. Examples of processes that can be used to form such fluid material joints include, but are not limited to, welding processes, brazing processes, and soldering processes. In such cases, in addition to any materials from the components themselves, one or more metallic materials and / or alloys can be used to form such fluid material joints. Another example of a process that can be used to form a fluid material joint includes applying, depositing, or otherwise providing an adhesive between adjacent components that is operable to form a substantially fluid-tight connection fixed between the adjacent components. In such cases, it will be understood that any suitable adhesive material or combination of materials can be used, such as, for example, one-part and / or two-part epoxies.

[0057] Furthermore, the term "gas" is used herein to broadly refer to any gaseous or vaporous fluid. Most commonly, air is used as the working medium for gas spring devices, as well as suspension systems and other components as described herein. However, it will be understood that any suitable gaseous fluid may alternatively be used.

[0058] A number of different features and / or components are shown in the embodiments shown and described herein, but it will be recognized that no embodiment is specifically shown and described as including all such features and components. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present disclosure is intended to encompass any and all combinations of the different features and components shown and described herein, and it should be understood that any suitable arrangement of features and components can be used in any combination, without limitation. Accordingly, it should be clearly understood that claims directed to any such combination of mechanisms and / or components are intended to find support in the present disclosure, whether or not specifically recited herein. When interpreting the appended claims of this specification, to assist the Patent Office and the readers of this application and the resulting patent, the applicant does not intend for any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words "means for" or "step for" are expressly used in a particular claim.

[0059] The subject matter of the present disclosure has been described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, and the structure and the structural interrelationships between the components of the disclosed embodiments have been rather strongly emphasized. However, other embodiments can be devised, and it will be understood that numerous changes can be made to the illustrated and described embodiments without departing from the principles described herein. Clearly, upon reading and understanding the foregoing "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention," other modifications and changes will occur to one's mind. Accordingly, it should be clearly understood that the foregoing explanatory matter is merely an explanation of the subject matter of the present disclosure and is not to be construed as a limitation. Therefore, it is intended that the subject matter of the present disclosure be construed as including all such modifications and changes.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a non-pneumatic tire, comprising: providing a first mold section, the first mold section including an inner surface portion that at least partially defines a first mold cavity portion, a first heat source thermally coupled to the first mold section outside the first mold cavity portion, and a second heat source operable independently of the first heat source, the second heat source being disposed within the first mold cavity portion and spaced inwardly from the inner surface portion such that an annular gap is disposed between the second heat source and the inner surface portion; providing an incompletely cured non-pneumatic tire having a rotational axis and including a rim and an amount of incompletely cured material disposed around the rim, the rim including an annular wall portion extending circumferentially about the rotational axis and a flange wall portion extending radially inwardly along the annular wall portion, the amount of incompletely cured material being disposed radially outwardly of the annular wall portion, the flange wall portion being oriented in a transverse direction with respect to the rotational axis and including a first flange side and a second flange side; positioning the incompletely cured non-pneumatic tire along the first mold section such that at least a portion of the annular wall portion of the rim and at least a portion of the amount of incompletely cured material are disposed within the annular gap with the first flange side of the flange wall portion facing the second heat source and the second flange side of the flange wall portion facing 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 faces the second flange side of the flange wall portion; curing the non-pneumatic tire.

2. Curing the non-pneumatic tire includes conducting heat from the first heat source to the non-pneumatic tire, radiating heat from the second heat source to the rim of the non-pneumatic tire, and radiating heat from the third heat source to the rim of the non-pneumatic tire, according to the method of claim 1.

3. Curing the non-pneumatic tire includes operating the first heat source at a first nominal temperature for a first period, operating the second heat source at a second nominal temperature for a second period, and operating the third heat source at a third nominal temperature for a third period, at least one of which is included in the method of claim 1 or 2.

4. A mold assembly for curing an associated non-pneumatic tire that includes an associated amount of incompletely cured material disposed circumferentially of an associated rim, the associated rim including an associated annular wall and an associated flange wall, the mold assembly including A first mold section that includes an inner surface portion that at least partially defines 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 that is displaceable between a first position where the second mold section extends at least partially over the first mold cavity portion relative to the first mold section and a second position where the first mold cavity portion is accessible for loading and removing an associated non-pneumatic tire; A first radiant heat source operable independently of the primary conductive heat source, disposed within the first mold cavity portion and spaced inwardly from the inner surface portion, such that an annular gap is disposed between the first radiant heat source and the inner surface portion, the annular gap dimensioned 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 incompletely cured material; A second radiant heat source operable independently of the primary conductive heat source, supported on the second die section and displaceable with the second die section between the first position and the second position of the second die section, and axially spaced from the first radiant heat source at the first position of the second die section to receive the associated flange wall of the associated rim between the first radiant heat source and the second radiant heat source. A second radiant heat source, comprising a mold assembly. **Claim 5** A tire curing system for curing a non-pneumatic tire, The mold assembly according to claim 4, and A processor communicably coupled to the memory and the primary conductive heat source, the first radiant heat source, and the second radiant heat source, the memory comprising Operating the primary conductive heat source for a first period at a first nominal temperature, Operating the first radiant heat source for a second period shorter than the first period at a second nominal temperature, A processor comprising instructions to operate the second radiant heat source for a third period shorter than the first period at a third nominal temperature, a tire curing system.

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