Alternating Inner Mold Segments for Homogeneous Rubber Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumatic tires require inflation pressure and are rendered useless upon loss of pressure, while non-pneumatic tires with shear bands face challenges in achieving pneumatic tire-like performance and efficient load distribution during curing.
Innovation Solution
An inner mold mechanism with alternating first and second inner mold segments, each connected to separate actuators, allows radial movement to form a continuous inner mold surface for curing annular structures like shear bands in non-pneumatic tires, ensuring homogeneous pressure application and efficient load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pneumatic tires are used, then load carrying efficiency and comfort are improved, but the tires become useless after loss of inflation pressure and require continuous pressure maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the inflation pressure system from the tire structure, transitioning from pneumatic to non-pneumatic design. The tire operates without requiring internal gas pressure, removing the bladder, valve, and pressure maintenance mechanisms while maintaining load carrying capability through structural design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental operating parameter from internal gas pressure to structural rigidity and shear band deformation. The tire utilizes the mechanical properties of the shear band and connecting structure to distribute loads, replacing the pneumatic pressure parameter with a structural mechanics approach
2Device complexity
If non-pneumatic tires with shear bands are used, then pressure maintenance is eliminated, but achieving pneumatic tire-like performance and efficient load distribution during curing is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is divided into multiple independent segments (first inner mold segments, second inner mold segments, outer mold segments) that can move and position independently. This segmentation allows precise control over the molding process, ensuring homogeneous pressure distribution and proper load distribution during curing of the shear band structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mold segments are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment during the curing process. The first and second inner mold segments can move radially and axially to apply homogeneous pressure, while outer mold segments adjust to accommodate the forming annular structure, improving manufacturing precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If segmented tire molds are used, then adaptability to different tire types is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented mold design with movable first inner mold segments, second inner mold segments, and outer mold segments creates a universal molding system that can accommodate different tire types and configurations. The same basic segment structure can be adjusted to mold various annular rubber structures, including different shear band designs and tire configurations, providing multi-functionality
Data Source
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AI summary
An inner mold mechanism (10) for molding an annular structure such as a tire is disclosed. The inner mold mechanism (10) comprises: first inner mold segments (12A) and second inner mold segments (12B), the first and second inner mold segments being arranged circumferentially and alternating with each other circumferentially about an axis of the inner mold mechanism; a first axially movable actuator (14A), the first actuator (14A) being mechanically connected to the first inner mold segments (12A) or configured so as to move the first inner mold segments (12A) radially with respect to the axis when the first actuator (14A) is moved axially with respect to the axis; and a second axially movable actuator (14B), the second actuator (14B) being mechanically connected to the second inner mold segments (12B) or configured so as to move the second inner mold segments (12B) radially with respect to the axis when the second actuator (14B) is moved axially with respect to the axis.