Cushion Gum Roll Formation and Protective Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cushion gum, used in retreading tires, poses challenges in packaging, handling, and shipping due to its volatile and uncured nature, leading to issues like premature curing and damage during transportation.

Innovation Solution

The method involves forming cushion gum into gum rolls, which are then packaged on skids with film sheets in between to prevent direct contact and facilitate stable shipping. The gum rolls can be individually wrapped for added protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cushion gum is packaged without protective measures, then packaging simplicity is maintained, but damage and premature curing occur during shipping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecushion gum integrity during shippingVSAvoidpackaging structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by placing foam blocks between layers of cushion gum rolls during packaging. These foam blocks are positioned in advance to prevent direct contact between gum rolls, thereby preventing premature curing and damage during shipping and storage. This resolves the contradiction by providing protective cushioning before the damage or curing issues occur during transportation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses foam blocks as intermediary materials between cushion gum rolls. These foam blocks act as mediators that prevent direct contact between the volatile uncured adhesive surfaces of adjacent gum rolls. This intermediary layer eliminates the harmful interaction (premature curing) while maintaining a relatively simple packaging structure, thus resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If cushion gum rolls are stacked directly without separation, then storage space is maximized, but premature curing occurs due to contact between rolls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of premature curingVSAvoidstorage space utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Foam blocks are placed beforehand between layers of cushion gum rolls in the storage arrangement. These blocks provide cushioning and separation that prevents premature curing while being space-efficient. The foam blocks are positioned in the gaps between rolls, maximizing storage space utilization while maintaining reliability by preventing harmful contact between uncured adhesive surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

Foam blocks serve as intermediary materials between cushion gum rolls in the storage configuration. They mediate the interaction between adjacent rolls by preventing direct contact of their volatile surfaces. This allows rolls to be stacked in a space-efficient manner while the intermediary foam blocks prevent premature curing, thus resolving the contradiction between storage density and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If cushion gum is handled without protective packaging, then handling simplicity is maintained, but crushing and damage occur during transportation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecushion gum protection against crushingVSAvoidhandling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating foam blocks into the packaging structure before shipping. These foam blocks are positioned between cushion gum rolls to provide protective cushioning against crushing forces during transportation. This maintains handling simplicity while significantly improving the strength and protection of the cushion gum, resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 minimizes damage and premature curing of cushion gum during shipping, ensuring a higher quality product and reducing costs associated with rework and waste.

Implementation Method 1

The core fixture is rotated to wind the strip stock onto the core fixture such that the first surface interfaces with the second surface to form the gum roll.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical winding:

Data Source

PatentEP3967482B1Method for forming a gum roll
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 BRIDGESTONE BANDAG LLC
  • EP3967482B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3967482B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3967482B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method of forming a gum roll is provided. The method includes providing a strip stock having a first end, a first surface, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first end of the strip stock is coupled to a core fixture so the first surface interfaces with the core fixture. The strip stock is rotated to wind the strip stock onto the core fixture such that the first surface interfaces with the second surface to form the gum roll. The method further includes cutting the strip stock to form the second end when the gum roll is wound to a desired diameter, the desired diameter being greater than a diameter of the core fixture.