Angled Tire Belt Layers for Molding Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic tires with three belt layers face challenges in stretching and expansion during molding operations due to the zero-angle arrangement of the middle belt layer, requiring separate assembly and subsequent application to the tire carcass, which complicates the tire formation process.
Innovation Solution
A method of forming a pneumatic tire with three belt layers where each layer has elongate reinforcements angled relative to the equatorial plane, allowing for expansion and assembly directly onto the tire carcass, eliminating the need for separate assembly and enhancing manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the middle belt layer reinforcements are arranged at a zero angle relative to the equatorial plane, then the circumferential hoop strength is elevated, but the belt cannot stretch or expand during tire molding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angle parameter of the middle belt layer reinforcements from zero degrees to between 5-15 degrees relative to the equatorial plane. This parameter modification allows the belt to expand during molding while still maintaining adequate circumferential strength, resolving the contradiction between strength and manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic capability to the belt structure by angling the middle belt layer reinforcements, enabling the belt to stretch and expand during tire molding operations. This dynamic property was previously prevented by the zero-angle arrangement, and now allows for direct molding assembly.
2Strength
If the middle belt layer reinforcements are arranged at a zero angle, then the belt structure provides elevated circumferential strength, but the belt must be assembled separately and applied to the tire carcass afterward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the belt assembly process with the tire molding process by allowing the belt to be directly formed onto the tire carcass during molding. The angled reinforcement arrangement enables this integration by providing the necessary expandability, eliminating the need for separate post-molding assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the belt assembly action preliminarily during the molding process itself, rather than as a subsequent separate operation. The angled middle belt layer allows the belt to be pre-assembled to the carcass in the molded state, simplifying the overall manufacturing sequence.
3Strength
If the middle belt layer reinforcements are arranged at a zero angle, then the belt maintains high circumferential strength, but the manufacturing time increases due to separate assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous manufacturing by integrating belt assembly into the molding process. The angled middle belt layer reinforcements allow the belt to expand and conform to the tire carcass during molding without interruption, eliminating idle time between molding and assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the middle belt layer angle from 0 to 5-15 degrees, the patent enables direct molding assembly, which streamlines the manufacturing process and reduces production time while maintaining the necessary structural strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
Pneumatic tire, and method for forming said tire; the tire comprises a tire carcass having a body layer (16) extending between a pair of beads (18), a belt (20) arranged along the tire carcass between the pair of beads, the belt having three belt layers (221-223), wherein the reinforcement elements of the first layer (221) extend in a direction biased from the equatorial plane of the tire by an angle greater or less than zero, the reinforcements of the second layer (222) extend in a direction biased from the equatorial plane of the tire by an angle having an absolute value of 5 to 15 degrees, and the reinforcements of the third layer (223) extend in a direction biased from the equatorial plane of the tire by an angle greater or less than zero.