Method for producing a threadlike reinforcement element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire reinforcement technologies face challenges in maximizing the endurance and modulus of textile wire elements independently, leading to compromised mechanical properties during high-speed driving and manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a core and layer structure for textile reinforcement wires, where a monofilament core is surrounded by helically wound second strands, coated with a heat-crosslinkable adhesive composition, and heat-treated to enhance the tangent modulus and endurance of the bonded textile wire element, allowing for independent adjustment of modulus and endurance based on elongation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the shrink-fit reinforcement uses textile wire reinforcement elements with high tangent modulus to ensure mechanical strength properties, then the mechanical strength of the crown reinforcement is improved, but the endurance of the shrink-fit reinforcement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strength propertiesVSAvoidendurance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The textile wire reinforcement element is segmented into a core component and an outer layer component. The core provides the primary structural support, while the outer layer is specifically designed to enhance endurance through adhesive bonding. This segmentation allows independent optimization of strength and endurance properties without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure combining textile fibers with adhesive material. The adhesive composition is applied as an outer layer on the textile wire, creating a composite reinforcement element where the adhesive matrix protects the fibers and enhances their endurance by distributing stress more effectively and preventing fiber degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If the shrink-fit reinforcement allows radial expansion and circumferential elongation during manufacturing, then the deformability during curing is improved, but the mechanical properties are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedeformabilityVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The shrink-fit reinforcement exhibits dynamic mechanical properties that change based on the operational phase. During manufacturing and curing, the adhesive layer remains relatively flexible to accommodate radial expansion and circumferential elongation. Once cured, the cross-linked adhesive provides rigid mechanical support. This dynamic behavior allows the same structure to serve multiple functional requirements at different stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical properties of the adhesive composition change through the curing process. In the uncured state, the adhesive has lower modulus allowing deformability. After heat treatment and cross-linking, the adhesive achieves high mechanical strength and stiffness. This parameter change enables the reinforcement to be deformable during manufacturing while providing strong mechanical properties in service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the tangent modulus of the bonded textile wire element is increased through coating and heat treatment, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the flexibility and deformability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetangent modulusVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive composition is applied as an outer layer specifically on the surface of the textile wire reinforcement element, leaving the core fiber structure intact. This local application allows the adhesive to enhance strength and tangent modulus where needed for mechanical support, while the inner fiber core maintains its flexibility and ability to deform. Different regions of the reinforcement element thus have different functional properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 method achieves improved endurance and modulus of the bonded textile wire elements, enabling better mechanical resistance and deformability, particularly during tire manufacturing and high-speed driving conditions, while maintaining a balance between mechanical strength and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

the coated raw or pre-bonded reinforcing textile yarn element with the outer layer is heat-treated to cross-link the adhesive composition to obtain the bonded reinforcing textile yarn element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCross-linking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the coated raw or pre-bonded reinforcing textile yarn element with the outer layer is heat-treated to cross-link the adhesive composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat treatment: Heat Treatment

Data Source

PatentEP3727826B1Method for producing a threadlike reinforcement element
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)
  • EP3727826B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3727826B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3727826B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a bonded reinforcement threadlike element (48) comprising a core and a layer of strands. The grey threadlike element is assembled. A grey or pre-bonded threadlike element is obtained. The grey or pre-bonded threadlike element is covered with an outer layer of at least one adhesive composition that is capable of being cross-linked by heat. The grey or pre-bonded element covered with the outer layer is treated with heat so as to cross-link the adhesive composition in order to obtain the pre-bonded threadlike element (48). The steps of covering with and treatment by heat of the outer layer of the grey or pre-bonded threadlike element are carried out so that, for an elongation equal to 30% of the elongation at break of the grey threadlike element, the tangent modulus of the bonded reinforcement threadlike element (48) is higher than the tangent modulus of the grey threadlike element.