Conductive Mold Release for Non-Pneumatic Tire Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-pneumatic tires constructed with non-electrically conductive thermosetting materials lack an inherent electrically conductive path from the tread to the hub, necessitating the use of separate grounding straps to prevent electrical charge buildup during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electrically conductive additive into the mold release applied to the molding surfaces of a spoke mold, which is embedded within the thermosetting material as it cures, creating an electrically conductive path within the molded spokes of the non-pneumatic tire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-electrically conductive thermosetting materials are used to construct non-pneumatic tire spokes, then the structural integrity and performance of the tire is maintained, but the tire lacks an inherent electrically conductive path from the tread to the hub, requiring separate grounding straps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the structural function of the spoke with the electrical grounding function by embedding conductive additives within the thermosetting material that forms the spoke. This merging eliminates the need for separate grounding straps while maintaining structural integrity, as the spoke simultaneously provides mechanical support and electrical conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by incorporating conductive additives (such as carbon black, metal particles, or conductive polymers) into the thermosetting material matrix. This creates a composite spoke material that exhibits both the structural properties of the thermosetting polymer and the electrical conductivity of the embedded additives, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and electrical conductivity.
2Reliability
If separate grounding straps are used to provide an electrically conductive path, then electrical charge buildup is prevented, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical grounding function into the existing spoke structure by embedding conductive additives within the thermosetting material. This integration eliminates the need for separate grounding straps, reducing the number of components while maintaining the ability to dissipate electrical charges from the tread to the hub.
Solution Approach 2:
The spoke structure serves dual purposes: it provides mechanical structural support and simultaneously provides the electrical grounding function through embedded conductive additives. This self-service approach allows the spoke to ground the tire structure without requiring additional dedicated grounding components.
3Reliability
If conductive additives are embedded within the thermosetting material during molding, then an electrically conductive path is created without compromising structural integrity, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the mold release coating containing conductive additives to the mold cavity surfaces before injecting the thermosetting material. This preliminary action ensures that the conductive additives are positioned on the mold surfaces where they will be embedded into the spoke material during curing, creating the electrical conductive path without requiring post-manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a mold release coating as an intermediary carrier to deliver the conductive additives to the correct locations. The mold release coating serves as a temporary medium that holds the conductive additives in place on the mold surfaces during the molding process, and the additives are subsequently embedded into the thermosetting material as it cures, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
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 solution eliminates the need for separate grounding straps by establishing an electrically conductive path between the tread and hub, enhancing the tire's ability to dissipate electrical charges without compromising the structural integrity or performance of the tire.
Implementation Method 1
the electrically conductive additive of the mold release is embedded within a thickness of each of the one or more molded spokes... establishing an electrically conductive path between the tread and hub
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention include non-pneumatic tires (100) having an electrically conductive path, and methods for forming the same. It is appreciated electrical charges may be generated during land vehicle operation and land vehicles are often grounded by providing an electrically conductive path between the vehicle and the ground. In embodiments of the present invention, a non-pneumatic tire (100) and a method for forming a non-pneumatic tire are described for providing an electrically conductive path between the vehicle and the ground at the non-pneumatic tire. The method for forming the non-pneumatic tire comprises the step of applying a mold release (290) to one or more molding surfaces (280) of the spoke mold wherein the mold release (290) includes an electrically conductive additive.