Mold Blocking Member with Spring-Loaded Cap for Rubber Shoot Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mold blocking devices for rubber product manufacturing either prevent rubber shoots but leave marks on the tire surface or fail to prevent shoots altogether, while allowing gas venting.

Innovation Solution

A mold blocking member with a tubular hollow body, a spring element, and a cap with channels that creates a labyrinthine air flow path to prevent rubber flow while allowing gas venting, formed from nickel chromium metal with optional barbs for secure fit and made from stamping and bending metal stock.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If blocking devices are inserted into vent bores to prevent rubber shoots, then rubber shoots are stopped, but marks are formed on the tire surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverubber shootsVSAvoidmarks on tire surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member is segmented into distinct functional zones: a tapered body for insertion, a spring element for sealing, and a cap with channels for gas flow. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the cap with channels directs gas flow to prevent marks while the spring element seals against rubber shoots

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cap with channels acts as an intermediary between the vent bore and the mold cavity. It mediates the gas flow by providing a controlled path through its channels, preventing direct contact between blocking devices and the tire surface that would cause marks, while still blocking rubber shoots

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If blocking devices are used to prevent rubber shoots, then shoots are stopped, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverubber shootsVSAvoidblocking device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated blocking member: the tapered body provides insertion guidance, the spring element provides sealing action, and the cap with channels provides gas flow control. This merging reduces the need for multiple separate components and simplifies the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member utilizes parameter changes in the spring element - it can be compressed during insertion and then expands to seal against the vent bore wall. This elastic parameter change allows the device to adapt to different bore sizes and maintain sealing without complex adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Effectively prevents rubber shoots from forming on the tire surface during gas venting without leaving marks, ensuring a smooth and unbristled appearance while maintaining efficient gas release.

Implementation Method 1

creates a labyrinthine air flow path to prevent rubber flow while allowing gas venting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLabyrinthine flow path:

Implementation Method 2

A mold blocking member... having a spring element positioned thereon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring elasticity: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2332710B1Venting device for a mold
Publication Date: 2013.07.03 THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO
  • EP2332710B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2332710B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A mold blocking member for use in a vent bore of a mold is disclosed. The mold blocking member (10) comprises a tubular hollow body (20a, 20b) having a first end (12) and a second end (16), a spring element (22) having a flat portion (24) and one or more legs (26). The legs (26) of the spring element (22) are connected to the first end (12) of the tubular hollow body (20a, 20b). The mold blocking member (10) further comprises a cap (30) having an inner surface (31) affixed to the flat portion (24) of the spring element (22).