Magnetic Plug System for Tire Sidewall Marking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tire sidewall marking technologies in the manufacturing sector face inefficiencies due to the need for mechanical connection elements, which cause labor and time losses during tool replacement, and result in unwanted shapes and safety risks during the removal process.

Innovation Solution

A plug system utilizing magnetic connections for securing and removing marking tools from the mould, allowing for fast and safe replacement without cooling the mould, eliminating the need for mechanical tools and preventing damage to the plugs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical connection elements (screws, bolts, pins) are used to secure marking tools to the mould, then the marking tools are firmly fixed, but the removal and replacement process requires significant time and labor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirm fixation of marking toolVSAvoidtime for removal and replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (screws, bolts, pins) with a magnetic connection system. The marking tool contains a magnet that magnetically connects to the mold holder, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners. This allows for rapid attachment and detachment without the time-consuming processes of screwing, bolting, or pinning, while maintaining secure fixation during the marking operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If mechanical connection elements are used to secure marking tools, then the tools are firmly fixed, but the connection elements create protrusions that cause irrelevant shapes on the tire sidewall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirm fixation of marking toolVSAvoidclean marking surface

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing mechanical connection elements with magnetic connection, the patent eliminates protruding screw heads, bolt heads, and pin surfaces that would otherwise contact the tire sidewall and create unwanted marks. The magnetic connection allows the marking tool to be secured flush against the mold surface, ensuring clean, precise markings without interference from connection hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If mechanical connection elements are used, then the marking tools can be secured, but the removal process requires cooling the mould which results in labor and time loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of marking toolVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic connection system allows the marking tool to be attached and detached at any temperature without requiring the mold to be cooled down. The magnet maintains sufficient holding force during the marking process, and can be easily overcome for removal. This eliminates the productivity loss associated with cooling cycles required for mechanical fastener removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If mechanical connection elements are used, then the marking tools are fixed, but the process of removing and reattaching them causes damage to the plugs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixed positioning of marking toolVSAvoidintegrity of plug

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic connection provides a gentle, distributed holding force that does not concentrate stress at specific attachment points like mechanical fasteners do. During removal, the magnetic force can be uniformly overcome without the need for forceful unscrewing or prying actions that could damage the plug. This preserves the integrity and extends the service life of the marking tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 quick, safe, and labor-efficient replacement of marking tools, ensuring clean markings without gaps or protrusions, reducing time and cost losses, and preventing occupational hazards.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetic connection tool in the slot applies magnetic attraction force on the plug

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the magnetic connection tools which constantly interact with the metal mould and the plugs preserve their magnetic characteristics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3471940B1Plug system with magnetic connection

Publication Date: 2020.01.08 SURUCU MEHMET

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a plug system with magnetic connection used for marking tire sidewalls in the curing mould (processing on the tire, information such as tire brand, product name, tire dimension, manufacturer information, tire dimension, technical properties of the tire, load and speed limits etc.) in the tire manufacturing field. The plug system is generally composed of a magnetic connection (4) tool providing the placement and fixing of plugs (2) (marking tools) in slots (3) on the sidewall of the mould (l) and a push-mechanism for releasing the plug (2) placed in the mould (l) from the magnetic connection (4) and removing it from the slot (3).