Modular Tread Mold Segments for Rapid Tire Pattern Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tire curing process faces challenges in efficiently forming precise tire treads due to the complexity and cost of manufacturing separate molds for various tire dimensions and tread patterns, leading to high manufacturing costs and long process times.
Innovation Solution
A modular tread mold and tire curing mold design that includes attachable and detachable segments, allowing for easy adaptation to different tire dimensions and patterns, with improved heat transfer capabilities and reduced manufacturing costs through segmented manufacturing and additive manufacturing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate molds are manufactured for various tire dimensions and tread patterns, then manufacturing precision and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is divided into multiple detachable segments including a first mold segment, a second mold segment, and an intermediate mold segment. Each segment can be independently manufactured and assembled to form complete molds for different tire specifications, eliminating the need to manufacture entirely separate molds for each tire type.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented mold design creates a universal mold system where the same basic segments can be combined in different configurations to produce molds for various tire dimensions and tread patterns. The first and second mold segments serve multiple functions by pairing with different intermediate segments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate molds are manufactured for various tire dimensions and tread patterns, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the mold into reusable components, the system eliminates the need to manufacture complete separate molds for each tire type. Only the necessary segments need to be produced or exchanged, dramatically reducing the time required to prepare molds for different tire specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold segments are pre-manufactured and stored for quick assembly. This preliminary preparation allows rapid deployment of appropriate mold configurations without undergoing complete manufacturing cycles each time a different tire type is produced.
3Ease of manufacture
If segmented mold design is used, then ease of manufacture and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is divided into manageable segments that can be manufactured using simpler processes and assembled through standardized coupling mechanisms. The coupling surfaces between segments include complementary geometric features that facilitate straightforward assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple simple segments are combined to create complex mold configurations. The coupling surfaces merge the segments into a unified mold structure during assembly, while allowing easy separation when configuration changes are needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a tire curing mold and, particularly, a tread mold formed for use in a curing process for a green tire, wherein the tread mold includes a pattern segment having a pattern surface disposed to face the green tire during the curing process, a back segment disposed outside the pattern segment, and a middle segment arranged between the pattern segment and the back segment.