Adjustable Tire Mold Segments with Radial Adjuster Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tire molding process requires separate molds and outer rings for different tire sizes, making it costly and inefficient for producing limited batches of tires, as the manufacturing cost of separate outer rings exceeds the value of the tires.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable tire molding system that includes an annular mold assembly with mold segments and an adjuster ring assembly, which is radially outwardly oriented and connected to an outer side plate, allowing for the use of a single outer ring to accommodate various tire sizes by adjusting the position and force applied to the mold segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate outer rings are manufactured for each tire size, then precise alignment and force distribution are maintained, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The outer ring is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple tire sizes through the adjustable mold assembly. The mold assembly includes adjustable mold segments and positioning mechanisms that can be reconfigured for different tire dimensions, allowing a single outer ring to serve multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated rings for each tire size.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold assembly incorporates adjustable and movable components that can be dynamically repositioned to accommodate different tire sizes. The adjustability mechanisms allow the mold segments to be moved radially and axially to maintain precise alignment and force distribution across varying tire dimensions, replacing the need for static, size-specific outer rings.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate molds are used for different tire sizes, then molding precision is maintained, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mold assembly is divided into multiple independent mold segments that can be individually adjusted and repositioned. Each segment can be moved to different locations on the mold assembly to create various tire patterns and dimensions, allowing a single mold set to replace multiple complete mold sets while maintaining molding precision through controlled segment positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold segments are designed with adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow them to be dynamically reconfigured for different tire sizes. The segments can be moved radially outward or inward and positioned at different angular locations, enabling the same mold assembly to produce various tire dimensions while maintaining the precision required for each specific tire size.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single outer ring is used for various tire sizes, then manufacturing cost decreases, but maintaining precise alignment and force distribution becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mold assembly incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow mold segments to be dynamically repositioned to maintain precise alignment with the single outer ring. The adjustability features include radial movement capabilities and angular positioning mechanisms that ensure proper alignment and force distribution regardless of the tire size being produced.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes positioning mechanisms with adjustment capabilities that allow for precise control of mold segment locations. The feedback mechanism enables operators or automated systems to adjust the mold segments to the correct positions based on the specific tire size being produced, ensuring that alignment precision and force distribution are maintained even when using a single universal outer ring.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable tire mold for use with molds of various diameters and widths is provided. In one embodiment, an adjustable tire molding system is provided, the adjustable tire molding system, comprising: an annular mold assembly including at least one mold segment; an adjuster ring assembly including at least one adjuster engaged with the at least one mold segment, wherein the adjuster ring assembly is oriented radially outwardly of the annular mold assembly; and an outer side plate, wherein the at least one mold segment and the adjuster ring assembly are operatively connected to the outer side plate.