Fluorescent Tire Rubber Composition for UV Component Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tires lack a visual discrimination property that allows for easy identification of different rubber compositions, especially under ordinary lighting conditions, which can lead to improper arrangement of tire components.
Innovation Solution
A tire comprising a fluorescent rubber composition based on an elastomer matrix, carbon black, and a fluorescent pigment, which exhibits visual discrimination under ultraviolet irradiation while maintaining a sense of unity under ordinary lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If carbon black is added to all rubber compositions to maintain a sense of unity, then the tire appearance is unified, but visual discrimination property is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using fluorescent pigments that exhibit different optical properties under different lighting conditions. In ordinary light, the fluorescent pigment appears black or dark, maintaining unity with carbon black. Under ultraviolet light, it fluoresces brightly, providing visual discrimination. This resolves the contradiction by making the same material (fluorescent pigment) serve dual color functions based on environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter of the rubber composition by introducing fluorescent pigments with specific fluorescence characteristics. The pigment's fluorescence intensity and wavelength are controlled to ensure it remains dark under visible light but emits strongly under UV irradiation. This parameter change enables the composition to maintain unity in normal conditions while providing discrimination under inspection conditions.
2Loss of information
If fluorescent pigment is added to enable visual discrimination, then component identification is improved, but tire appearance unity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent pigment undergoes color changes based on illumination conditions. Under ordinary visible light, it appears black or dark, matching the appearance of carbon black-containing compositions. Under ultraviolet light, it fluoresces with distinct colors, enabling visual discrimination. This conditional color change resolves the contradiction between maintaining unity and providing discrimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection function is extracted by using a separate ultraviolet light source rather than relying on the tire materials themselves to provide contrast under visible light. The fluorescent pigment is specifically activated by UV irradiation during inspection, separating the discrimination function from normal viewing conditions and preserving appearance unity during normal use.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional rubber compositions are used in all portions, then manufacturing is simplified, but component arrangement verification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding fluorescent pigments to specific rubber compositions in specific tire portions (such as the tread or sidewall) rather than uniformly throughout the entire tire. This localized application maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling verification of component arrangement through UV irradiation, as the fluorescent portions will glow to indicate their correct placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent pigment acts as an intermediary that facilitates component arrangement verification without complicating manufacturing. The pigment is mixed into the rubber composition during normal compounding processes, requiring no additional manufacturing steps. During inspection, UV light activates the fluorescent pigment to provide clear visual cues about component placement, solving the detection difficulty without affecting manufacturing ease.
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
The fluorescent rubber composition allows for clear visual discrimination in dark conditions with ultraviolet light, while maintaining a unified appearance in bright conditions, enhancing the ability to confirm proper arrangement of tire components.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescent rubber composition based on at least: an elastomer matrix; a reinforcing filler comprising between 0 and 50 phr, preferably between 0 and 40 phr, more preferably between 0 and 30 phr, still more preferably between 0 and 20 phr, of carbon black; and between 2.5 and 15 phr of a fluorescent pigment
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A tire comprises a fluorescent rubber composition based on at least an elastomer matrix, a reinforcing filler comprising between 0 and 50 phr of carbon black and between 2.5 and 15 phr of a fluorescent pigment.