Green Bicycle Tyre Labelling with Tread Junction Pressing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bicycle tires, especially green ones, lack structural consistency for proper handling by mechanical devices due to non-metallic bead cores and lack of reinforcement belt layers, leading to uncontrollable deformation and increased manual processing times for labelling and tread junction pressing.

Innovation Solution

A process and apparatus that involves removing the green tire from the building drum and fitting it onto a support table with stretchers and suction nozzles to maintain stability, allowing simultaneous application of labels and pressing of the tread junction, using synchronized labelling pads and a presser to improve precision and reduce processing time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bicycle tyre is made from sustainable natural materials (green tyre), then environmental sustainability is improved, but the tyre surface becomes highly susceptible to bacterial contamination and degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidbacterial contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A labelling device is introduced as an intermediary that applies a visual label to the green tyre. This label serves as a mediator that communicates tyre information to consumers while the labelling process itself may incorporate protective treatments. The intermediary device bridges the gap between the vulnerable green tyre material and the external environment by providing a protective interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the surface parameters of the green tyre by applying labels with different physical and chemical properties. These labels modify the tyre surface characteristics, creating a barrier that alters bacterial adhesion properties while maintaining the underlying sustainable material's environmental benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If cleaning agents are used to remove bacterial contamination from green tyres, then hygiene is improved, but the tyre material degrades due to sensitivity to cleaning agents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebacterial contaminationVSAvoidtyre material integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The label acts as an intermediary protective layer between cleaning agents and the green tyre material. This barrier allows for hygiene maintenance while protecting the vulnerable natural rubber or bioplastics from degradation by harsh cleaning chemicals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs disposable protective covers or labels that can be easily replaced. These single-use protective elements shield the green tyre from bacterial contamination and cleaning agent damage, eliminating the need for aggressive cleaning of the tyre material itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If protective covers are applied to green tyres to prevent contamination, then protection is improved, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebacterial contaminationVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of covering the entire tyre with a protective layer that compromises aesthetics, the patent applies protection locally through targeted labelling. The labels are strategically positioned on specific areas of the tyre, providing necessary protection and information while preserving the overall aesthetic appearance of the green tyre design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The protective labels incorporate visual elements, colors, and designs that enhance rather than detract from the tyre's appearance. By using color-coded information and aesthetically pleasing label designs, the protection mechanism becomes an integrated part of the tyre's visual identity rather than a separate compromising element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

4Loss of information

If information about the green tyre is communicated to consumers, then consumer awareness is improved, but the complexity of the labelling system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsumer awarenessVSAvoidlabelling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The labelling system is segmented into multiple independent components, each conveying specific information about the green tyre. This modular approach allows for comprehensive consumer awareness while maintaining manageable system complexity, as each label element can be independently designed, applied, and maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs universal label designs that serve multiple functions simultaneously: protecting the tyre surface, providing consumer information, indicating maintenance requirements, and enhancing aesthetics. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple needs into a single integrated labelling solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates accurate and repeatable labelling and tread junction pressing, reducing processing time and waste while maintaining product quality, by stabilizing the tire on a support table with stretchers and suction nozzles, and using synchronized labelling pads and a presser.

Implementation Method 1

suction nozzles to maintain stability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4452614B1Process and apparatus for labelling a green tyre for bicycles
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 PIRELLI TYRE SPA
  • EP4452614B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4452614B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4452614B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates process and an apparatus for labeling a green bicycle tire. The process comprises -fitting a tyre (2) around a support table (11); -positioning, in a pressing area (23) arranged on the support table (11), a tread junction (6a) carried by the tyre (2) fit around the support table (11); -applying at least one label (32) on the tyre (2); -pressing the tread junction (6a) during the application of said at least one label (32).