Heating Plate Layout for Uniform Tire Vulcanization Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating plate units for electrically heated presses used in rubber product vulcanization suffer from low energy efficiency, uneven heat distribution, and complex manufacturing and temperature control due to the use of different heating elements.

Innovation Solution

A heating plate unit with recesses for receiving electrical heating elements of equal length, positioned at equal distances, combined with temperature sensors and a control unit for precise power regulation, ensuring uniform heat transfer and simple construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If steam is used to heat the heating plate units, then heating can be achieved, but energy efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the steam heating system (mechanical/thermal system) with an electrical heating system. Electrical heating elements directly convert electrical energy to thermal energy, eliminating the need for steam generation and distribution infrastructure, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the heating parameter from steam temperature/pressure to electrical power control. By using electrical heating elements with controllable power output, the system can precisely adjust heating parameters to match actual needs, improving energy efficiency and avoiding energy waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If different heating elements are used, then heating capability is achieved, but construction and temperature control become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses identical heating elements throughout the heating plate unit. All heating elements have the same dimensions, power rating, and installation requirements, which simplifies manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance. This homogeneous design eliminates the complexity associated with coordinating multiple different heating element types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

3Temperature

If heating elements of different lengths are used, then heating coverage is achieved, but heat distribution becomes uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat distribution uniformityVSAvoidheating effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs heating elements of identical length and power rating arranged in a uniform pattern. This homogeneous configuration ensures that each heating element contributes equally to the overall heat distribution, creating uniform temperature across the heating surface and improving heating effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

Solution Approach 2:

The heating elements are positioned at equal intervals across the heating plate, creating an equipotential heat distribution pattern. This uniform spacing ensures that heat is distributed evenly across the entire surface, eliminating hot spots and cold zones, thereby improving both temperature uniformity and heating effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

4Ease of operation

If heating elements are positioned at unequal intervals, then installation flexibility is achieved, but heat transfer uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidheat transfer uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The heating elements are positioned at equal intervals across the heating plate, creating an equipotential heat distribution pattern. This uniform spacing ensures that heat is distributed evenly across the entire surface, eliminating hot spots and cold zones, thereby improving both temperature uniformity and heating effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

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

Enables energy-efficient, simple, and uniform heating of rubber products by using identical heating elements and precise temperature control, resulting in optimally heated products.

Implementation Method 1

electric heating elements (13)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

heat transfer to the heating plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4711122A2Heating panel unit
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP4711122A2 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a heating plate unit (2) for an electrically heated heating press for vulcanizing a rubber product, in particular a vehicle tire, wherein the heating plate unit (2) has a heating plate (1) with recesses (3) for receiving electrical heating elements, as well as electrical heating elements and an electrical power supply, as well as temperature sensors and a control unit for regulating the power supply.