Coextruded Strip Winding for Variable Ratio Tire Apex
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire manufacturing methods for forming tire apices lack uniformity and consistency, particularly in achieving desired performance attributes such as weight, stiffness, ride comfort, and material fatigue, due to discrete changes in material compounds.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of a coextruded strip with varying ratios of two different rubber compounds, which are wound onto a tire building drum or green tire carcass to create a composite apex with continuously variable properties, enhancing tire performance attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If discrete compound changes are used in conventional apex formation, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but tire uniformity and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by continuously varying the ratio of two rubber compounds in the coextruded strip during the winding process. This allows precise control over the apex material properties at different locations, achieving superior tire uniformity and consistency compared to discrete compound changes while managing manufacturing complexity through a controlled continuous process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining two different rubber compounds in a coextruded strip with continuously variable ratios. This composite approach enables optimization of tire performance attributes such as weight, stiffness, and fatigue resistance while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through a single integrated winding process.
2Reliability
If single compound apex is used, then manufacturing process is simple, but tire performance attributes such as stiffness and fatigue resistance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by integrating two different rubber compounds with distinct properties into a coextruded strip. The continuous variation of compound ratios allows optimization of tire performance attributes including stiffness, fatigue resistance, and weight, while the coextrusion technology manages the complexity of handling multiple compounds in a unified manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different compound ratios at different locations within the apex. This allows specific regions of the tire to have optimized material properties tailored to local performance requirements, such as varying stiffness or fatigue resistance in different apex zones, thereby enhancing overall tire reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If discrete compound transitions are used, then manufacturing control is easier, but continuous variation in material properties cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by continuously adjusting the ratio of two rubber compounds during the coextrusion and winding process. This enables smooth transitions in material properties without discrete steps, achieving superior uniformity in the apex while the integrated control system manages the complexity of continuous parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by maintaining a continuous coextruded strip with continuously variable compound ratios throughout the winding process. This eliminates discrete transitions and gaps in material properties, ensuring uniform apex construction while the continuous process enhances manufacturing efficiency and control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple compounds with fixed ratios are used, then material properties are optimized for specific regions, but continuous adjustment for different locations is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by enabling continuous adjustment of the compound ratio in the coextruded strip according to specific location requirements. This provides adaptability to optimize material properties for different regions of the apex while the integrated coextrusion and winding system manages the complexity of real-time parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compound ratio in the coextruded strip dynamically adjustable during the winding process. This allows the material properties to adapt continuously to different locations within the apex, enhancing versatility while the dynamic control system manages the complexity of real-time adjustments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach results in improved tire uniformity and consistency by allowing for continuous variation in material properties, optimizing performance attributes like weight, stiffness, and fatigue resistance.
Implementation Method 1
forming a coextruded strip, wherein the coextruded strip is of a first compound and a second compound or comprises said first compound and said second compound
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for forming a tire component such as a composite apex (200) is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: forming a coextruded strip (210) of a first compound (212) and a second compound (214), wherein the second compound (214) is a compound different from the first compound (212); and winding the coextruded strip (210) while varying the ratio of the volume of the first compound (212) to the volume of the second compound (214) in the coextruded strip (210) when forming the tire component. Also, a tire component such as a tire apex (200) is disclosed. The tire component is formed from windings of a coextruded strip (210) of a first compound (212) and a second compound (214), wherein the second compound (214) is a compound different from the first compound (212) and wherein the ratio of the volume of the first compound (212) to the volume of the second compound (214) in the coextruded strip (210) varies along the tire component.