Laser Tire Surface Preparation for Reliable Adhesive Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a method to prepare the interior surface of a tire for adhesive application, as modern tires often have an exterior film layer that must be removed to ensure secure adhesion of peripherals like RFID chips, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.
Innovation Solution
A tire ablation system using lasers to remove the material layer from the interior surface of the tire, with specific configurations including a treatment station, lasers, a manipulator, and an exhaust system, to create preconditioned regions for adhesive application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a film layer is applied to the tire exterior surface during manufacturing, then the tire surface is protected and has uniform appearance, but the adhesive cannot securely attach to the tire surface
Solution Approach 1:
The laser ablation process is performed as a preliminary step before adhesive application. The system uses laser energy to remove the film layer and create a preconditioned surface that is ready for adhesive attachment, ensuring that the adhesive will bond securely to the tire surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical surface preparation methods (such as sanding or chemical etching) with laser ablation. The laser beam directly removes the film layer through photothermal and photomechanical effects, creating an optimal surface for adhesive bonding without mechanical contact or chemical residues.
2Manufacturing precision
If laser ablation is used to remove the film layer, then the surface is prepared for adhesive application, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser ablation system is configured to treat only the specific regions of the tire surface where adhesive application is required. The laser beam is directed precisely at the film layer in the adhesive application zone, removing material only where needed rather than treating the entire tire surface, thus minimizing energy consumption while achieving the required surface preparation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies laser energy at controlled levels - just enough to remove the film layer and create the necessary surface morphology for adhesive bonding, without excessive energy input that would cause tire material damage or unnecessary heating. The laser parameters (power, pulse duration, repetition rate) are optimized to achieve complete film removal with minimal energy waste.
3Productivity
If the laser beam power is increased to remove the film layer faster, then productivity improves, but the tire material may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The laser operates in pulsed mode rather than continuous wave mode. The pulsed laser delivers high peak power during brief intervals to efficiently remove the film layer, followed by cooling periods that allow the tire material to dissipate heat and prevent thermal damage. This periodic action enables high productivity while maintaining tire material integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts laser parameters (power level, pulse duration, repetition frequency, scan speed) based on the specific requirements of different tire regions and film thickness variations. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves maximum film removal speed without exceeding the thermal tolerance of the tire material, thus maintaining both productivity and material safety.
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 system effectively prepares the tire interior surface for adhesive application by removing the film layer without damaging the tire, allowing for secure attachment of peripherals while maintaining the tire's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
activating the one or more lasers and directing the laser beam of each of the one or more lasers at the interior surface of the tire, the laser beam operable to remove a layer of material from the interior surface of the tire
Data Source
AI summary
A system for preparing an interior surface of a tire for an adhesive includes a turntable configured to remove a layer of material from the tire, and a manipulator operable to move and rotate the tire. The turntable includes a platform rotatable about a first axis. An ablation module is disposed within the platform and includes one or more lasers each configured to emit a laser beam for removing the layer of material from the tire. A plurality of guide rollers extend from the platform and are operable between a retracted position and an extended position to selectively secure the tire to the platform. An exhaust system is disposed adjacent to the one or more lasers.