Mold Temperature Sensor with Biasing Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rubber temperature measuring devices face challenges in accurately detecting the temperature of rubber during the vulcanization step due to insufficient contact between the thermocouple and the green tire, and the need for a heat shielding layer, which limits placement on complex-patterned mold surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A rubber temperature measuring device with a temperature sensor biased by a biasing member to project from the mold surface, allowing it to be pressed by the molded article during vulcanization, while preventing direct heat transfer from the mold and blocking the opening to prevent rubber flow, enabling accurate temperature detection and repeated use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a heat shielding layer is used to block mold heat from the thermocouple, then temperature detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase due to the need for large holes in the molding surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heat shielding layer from the temperature sensor structure and extracts the heat blocking function to the mold design itself. The mold cavity shape is modified to create a heat-shielding recess that naturally blocks heat from reaching the sensor, eliminating the need for separate heat shielding components and large installation holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the mold cavity shape as an intermediary structure that performs the heat shielding function. Instead of adding a heat shielding layer directly to the sensor, the mold's geometric design acts as a mediator that redirects and blocks heat flow away from the temperature sensor location.
2Reliability
If the thermocouple is pressed against the green tire for accurate temperature detection, then temperature measurement reliability is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates when the mold is first closed as the thermocouple may not be sufficiently pressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the temperature sensor in advance within a recess of the mold cavity before the molding process begins. This preliminary positioning ensures the sensor is already in the correct location and orientation, so when the mold closes and rubber is injected, the sensor is naturally pressed against the rubber surface at the optimal point for accurate temperature detection from the start of the vulcanization process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the system so that the rubber material itself performs the pressing action on the temperature sensor. During the molding process, the injected rubber automatically presses the sensor against the mold surface or green tire under its own injection pressure, eliminating the need for external pressing mechanisms or complex positioning systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If a large hole is formed in the molding surface to accommodate the thermocouple and heat shielding layer, then temperature sensor installation is facilitated, but the manufacturing precision of the molding surface deteriorates due to the disruption of complex patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized recess structure in the mold cavity that is specifically designed to house the temperature sensor. This local modification is confined to a small area and does not disrupt the overall complex patterns on the molding surface. The recess provides the necessary installation space while maintaining the aesthetic and functional integrity of the surrounding molded patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the temperature sensor within a recess cavity that is itself nested within the mold structure. This nested arrangement allows the sensor to be accommodated within the existing mold geometry without requiring large external holes. The sensor is effectively hidden within the mold's internal structure, preserving the external molding surface patterns.
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
This solution allows for precise temperature measurement of the rubber product during vulcanization without the need for a heat shielding layer, enabling accurate data transmission and extending the sensor's lifespan by preventing rubber flow into the installation hole.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member disposed in the installation hole, a communication line extending into a communicating hole communicating with the installation hole to communicably connecting the temperature sensor and the control unit, the temperature sensor being biased by the biasing member in a direction of projecting from the molding surface
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor disposed in an installation hole formed in a molding surface of a mold for vulcanization... a temperature detecting unit at a tip end of the temperature sensor projects from the molding surface
Implementation Method 3
the opening portion is blocked by the temperature detecting unit... preventing rubber flow into the installation hole
Data Source
AI summary
In a rubber temperature measuring device, a temperature sensor and a biasing member are disposed in an installation hole formed in a molding surface of a mold. The temperature sensor is biased by the biasing member and a temperature detecting unit at a tip end projects from the molding surface and is not in contact with the mold. The mold is closed and vulcanized in a state in which a green tire making contact with the temperature detecting unit presses the temperature sensor against biasing force of the biasing member and an opening portion of the installation hole is blocked by the temperature detecting unit. Temperature data detected by the temperature detecting unit is input to a control unit disposed outside the mold through a communication line extending in a communicating hole communicating with the installation hole.