Flat Steel Cord Structure for Rubber Penetration and Directional Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steel cords have uniform properties in all directions, failing to meet the differing requirements for tire belts, and their production process is uncontrollable with low rubber penetration rates.
Innovation Solution
A steel cord with an irregular surface morphology formed by twisting deformable steel wires, featuring periodic complex waveforms at symmetrical positions, allowing for unequal long and short axes in the cross-section, enhancing rubber penetration and process control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional steel cords with uniform properties are used, then the production process is simple, but the cord cannot satisfy the different requirements for tire belts in different directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by creating an irregular surface morphology on the cord through periodic complex waveforms on steel wires. The waveforms include a first waveform and a second waveform overlaid on the first waveform, with unsmooth curves in the same direction, resulting in a flat cord cross-section with unequal long and short axes. This asymmetric structure provides different properties in different directions, satisfying the directional requirements for tire belts.
2Shape
If rubber extrusion and filling is performed to change the cord cross-section to flat, then the cord can achieve flat shape, but the production process becomes uncontrollable and rubber penetration rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the periodic complex waveforms on the steel wires before twisting them into a cord. The waveforms are created during the wire drawing process, and the irregular surface morphology is established before the cord is formed. This preliminary shaping eliminates the need for subsequent rubber extrusion and filling operations, making the production process controllable and improving rubber penetration rate.
3Shape
If the irregular surface morphology is located at multiple positions, then the cord can achieve better flatness, but the production process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the irregular surface morphology at specific locations on the cord. The periodic complex waveforms are arranged so that the unsmooth curves are located at one or two symmetrical identical positions in the axial direction of the cord. This localized approach achieves the required flatness while maintaining production simplicity through regular, repeatable positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A steel cord, a production method thereof, and a tire are provided. The steel cord is formed by twisting multiple steel wires, at least one of the steel wires is deformable to allow the cord to have an irregular surface morphology, and the irregular surface morphology is located at one or two symmetrical identical positions in an axial direction of the cord, such that a cross-section of the cord has a long axis and a short axis unequal to the long axis. The irregular surface morphology of the cord designed in the application is located at identical positions in the axial direction of the cord and destroys the uniform support state of steel wires in the circumferential direction of the cord, and it is difficult for the cord to maintain its original circular cross-section form in the subsequent stress relieving process, such that a flat cord can be produced.