Modular Tire Mold Strips for Robust Tread Indentation Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moulding element networks for tyre treads face deformations and high manufacturing costs due to the need for large laser sintering machines and platforms, and non-compliant elements require scrapping the entire network, while current designs with flanges interfere with tyre tread shapes.
Innovation Solution
A set of moulding elements with assembly means, such as protuberances and anchor lugs, allows for secure connection without protrusions, enabling robust and complex shapes without affecting tyre tread designs, and can be produced by laser sintering or other methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If flanges are added to secure transverse strips, then the mechanical strength and assembly capability are improved, but the shape and operation of the indentations in the tyre tread are affected negatively
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful flange structure is extracted and removed from the design. Instead of using flanges to secure transverse strips, the patent employs alternative connection methods that do not protrude into the moulding space, thereby preserving the intended shape of the tyre tread indentations while still achieving secure assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is moved from a protruding horizontal structure (flanges) to a vertical anchoring system. The longitudinal strips are anchored in the bottom zone of the mould, and transverse strips are secured by inserting their ends into the longitudinal strips from the side, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions rather than horizontal protrusions that would interfere with the tread shape.
2Reliability
If a large network of moulding elements is manufactured by laser sintering, then the mechanical performance and structural integrity are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to the need for large platforms and specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The large network of moulding elements is segmented into separate longitudinal and transverse strips that can be manufactured independently using standard laser sintering equipment. This segmentation allows for production on smaller, more affordable platforms while maintaining mechanical performance through the modular assembly structure with secure connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal and transverse strips are prepared in advance as separate components with pre-defined connection features (flanges, insertion zones, anchoring structures). This preliminary preparation allows for efficient assembly of the complete network without requiring complex in-situ manufacturing, reducing both equipment requirements and manufacturing costs.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the entire network is manufactured as a single piece, then the structural integrity is improved, but the loss of material increases when non-compliant elements are found
Solution Approach 1:
The moulding element network is divided into separate longitudinal and transverse strip components that can be manufactured and inspected independently. If a non-compliant element is detected, only that specific strip needs to be discarded and replaced, rather than scrapping the entire network. The modular design maintains structural integrity through secure mechanical connections between compliant components.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular component design enables selective discarding of only the non-compliant strips while retaining and reusing the compliant longitudinal and transverse strips. This approach significantly reduces material waste compared to monolithic manufacturing, where any defect requires complete network scrapping.
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 solution ensures satisfactory mechanical performance, reduces manufacturing costs, and allows for flexible positioning of strips without interfering with tyre tread shapes, resulting in a more robust and cost-effective moulding element network.
Implementation Method 1
these moulding elements make it possible to mould indentations in a tread of a tyre... These moulding elements make it possible to mould indentations in a tread of a tyre... produced by laser sintering
Data Source
AI summary
A set of molding elements suitable for being inserted into a mold for molding a tire comprises a main strip (1) and at least one secondary strip (2), the secondary strip (2) comprising a first secondary strip portion (3) and a second secondary strip portion (4), the second secondary strip portion (4) extending the first secondary strip portion and the first (3) and second (4) secondary strip portions extending on either side of the main strip (1) and the set of molding elements comprising members to assemble the secondary strip (2) with the main strip (1).