Hydraulic Locking Mechanism for Tire Vulcanization Mold
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for securing upper and lower mold sections during the vulcanization of large tires are labor-intensive and inefficient, leading to increased costs and waste due to non-uniform tightening and difficulty in releasing pressure after the vulcanization process.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic actuator system with a piston rod and articulated linkage mechanism is used to lock and unlock the top mold section to the bottom mold section, allowing for efficient alignment and secure locking during vulcanization, and easy separation after the process, reducing the need for manual torque application and minimizing flash at the parting line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If swing bolts and nuts are used to secure upper and lower mold sections, then the mold sections can be locked together during vulcanization, but the operation becomes very labor intensive and subject to non-uniform tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical tightening system (swing bolts and nuts requiring manual torque application) with a hydraulic actuation system. The hydraulic actuators automatically apply uniform clamping force to secure the upper mold section to the lower mold section, eliminating manual labor and ensuring consistent tightening across all fastening points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic actuators to provide the clamping force needed to secure the mold sections. These hydraulic mechanisms automatically distribute force uniformly across the mold interface, replacing the non-uniform manual tightening of traditional bolt-and-nut systems while significantly reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then the mold sections can be secured during vulcanization, but the release of pressure and separation becomes difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical locking mechanisms with a hydraulic actuation system that enables rapid and uniform release of clamping force. The hydraulic actuators can quickly equalize pressure and allow seamless separation of mold sections, dramatically reducing the time required for pressure release and mold opening compared to manual bolt loosening and section separation.
3Reliability
If manual tightening of swing bolts is used, then the mold sections can be secured, but non-uniform tightening causes waste due to flash at the parting line
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic actuators provide uniformly distributed clamping force across the entire mold parting line, ensuring consistent sealing and preventing rubber flash from escaping. This uniform pressure distribution eliminates the material waste associated with non-uniform manual tightening, where some areas may be under-tightened and allow flash formation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If crane or hoist is used to mate upper and lower mold portions, then large tires can be vulcanized, but the operation becomes very time consuming and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the crane/hoist-based mechanical lifting and positioning system with a hydraulic actuation system. The hydraulic actuators automatically position and secure the upper mold section to the lower mold section, eliminating the time-consuming manual operations of crane operation, positioning, and manual fastening while maintaining the capability to handle very large tire molds.
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
This solution significantly reduces the time required for vulcanizing large tires, enhances manufacturing efficiency, and minimizes waste by ensuring uniform clamping forces and easy release of the mold sections, thereby improving the overall production process.
Implementation Method 1
Each hydraulic actuator includes a cylinder with a piston disposed within the cylinder. A piston rod has a first end fixed to the piston and extends through the cylinder to a second end located outside the cylinder.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for vulcanizing at least a tread of a tire has a top mold section and a bottom mold section. The mold sections are secured to one another during a vulcanizing process by a plurality of locking mechanisms located around the outer circumference of the apparatus. Each locking mechanism includes a dual action hydraulic actuator. A piston rod of the hydraulic actuator imparts movement to a generally vertically oriented articulated linkage member. T-shaped projection located at an end of the articulated linkage member distal from the piston rod is brought into engagement with a securing member associated with the top mold section to secure the mold sections to one another. After the vulcanizing process is complete the hydraulic actuator imparts movement to the articulated linkage member to release the top mold section from the bottom mold section.