Grooved Rubber Strip Extrusion for Stable Tire Component Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire manufacturing methods experience shifts between different layers of the vulcanized tire blank in the vulcanization mold, leading to instability and inconsistencies in the final tire structure.

Innovation Solution

A device for extruding an unvulcanized, longitudinally grooved continuous strip of rubber using a one-piece cutting unit with a U-shaped cross-section to cut precise longitudinal grooves, which enhances the dimensional stability of these grooves and improves the uniformity of separation surfaces between tire components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional multi-part cutting units are used to cut longitudinal grooves, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the dimensional stability of the grooves deteriorates and manufacturing precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional stability of longitudinal groovesVSAvoidcutting unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the merging principle by integrating multiple cutting elements into a single one-piece cutting unit. This monolithic structure eliminates the gaps and misalignments between separate cutting parts, thereby achieving consistent groove dimensions and improved manufacturing precision throughout the extrusion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting unit is designed with a segmented functional structure featuring two legs and a central plank. The two legs are positioned to cut the longitudinal grooves while the central plank provides structural support and maintains the cutting edges at precise distances from the extrusion die, ensuring dimensional stability without requiring a completely solid monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a one-piece cutting unit with central plank is used, then the manufacturing precision and shape stability are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of repair increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshape stability of tire componentsVSAvoidcutting unit maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting unit is designed with movable or adjustable components that allow for dynamic adaptation during operation. The central plank can be positioned at different distances from the extrusion die, and the cutting edges can be adjusted or replaced independently, providing operational flexibility and ease of maintenance despite the one-piece construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for changing key parameters such as the distance between the central plank and extrusion die, the depth of groove cutting, and the positioning of the two legs. These parameter adjustments can be made without replacing the entire cutting unit, facilitating maintenance and adaptation while maintaining the stability benefits of a one-piece construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 precise cutting of longitudinal grooves using a one-piece cutting unit improves the dimensional stability of tire components, resulting in uniform separation surfaces and enhanced shape stability of the final pneumatic tire.

Implementation Method 1

at least one cutting unit configured to cut longitudinal grooves into an unvulcanized continuous strip of rubber formed by the forming unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical cutting:

Implementation Method 2

a flow channel for guiding an unvulcanized rubber compound from the one flow inlet opening to the one flow outlet opening through the forming unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExtrusion: Extrusion

Data Source

PatentEP4175823B1Equipment for extruding an endless unvulcanized rubber strip having longitudinal grooves for producing a vehicle tyre component, use of the equipment for producing a pneumatic vehicle tyre, method for producing a pneumatic vehicle tyre and a pneumatic vehicle tyre
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP4175823B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4175823B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4175823B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to equipment for extruding an endless unvulcanized rubber strip having longitudinal grooves for producing a vehicle tyre component comprising or consisting of a forming unit (6) for forming an endless unvulcanized rubber strip having at least one flow inlet opening and having at least one flow outlet opening, wherein a duct (9) for guiding an unvulcanized rubber mixture extends from the one flow inlet opening to the one flow outlet opening through the forming unit (6), a component arrangement unit (34) for feeding one or more unvulcanized rubber components into the forming unit (6), wherein the component arrangement unit comprises one or more ducts, at least one cutting unit (2), which is designed to cut longitudinal grooves in an endless unvulcanized rubber strip which has been formed by the forming unit, wherein the cutting unit (2) is designed in one part.