Molded Tire Polyurethane Tread Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to create molded tires with a polyurethane tread portion and support structure that have distinct material characteristics, as previous approaches are complex and impractical for large-scale production, and tend to separate under high loads or temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A molded tire design featuring a support structure and tread portion made from different polyurethane materials, chemically bonded using an intermediate polyurethane layer, with the option of a semi-permeable membrane for enhanced bonding, allowing for tailored material characteristics and improved durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single material is used for the entire tire, then manufacturing is simpler, but the tire cannot provide both high load support stiffness and optimal tread traction/wear characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different polyurethane materials with distinct characteristics for different regions of the tire. The tread portion uses a first polyurethane optimized for traction and wear resistance, while the support structure uses a second polyurethane optimized for stiffness and load support. This allows each region to have the specific material properties needed for its function, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and material differentiation.
2Reliability
If polyurethane tread material is molded onto a rubber tire, then tread wear resistance and traction are improved, but the materials separate under high speed, high loads, or high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by creating a multi-layer structure where a first polyurethane tread portion is bonded to a second polyurethane support structure. Both materials are polyurethane-based, allowing for chemical compatibility and strong bonding through covalent bonds or hydrogen bonds. This composite approach maintains reliability through superior traction and wear resistance while preventing separation under high loads and temperatures through compatible material chemistry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using an intermediate layer or surface treatment at the interface between the first and second polyurethane materials. This intermediate layer facilitates strong chemical bonding between the tread portion and support structure, ensuring stability under high speed, high loads, and high temperatures while maintaining the distinct functional properties of each layer.
3Reliability
If complex bonding methods are used to bond different materials, then bonding strength is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes overly complex and impractical for large scale production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bonding process with the molding process itself. The first and second polyurethane materials are molded together in an integrated operation, forming chemical bonds between layers during the curing process. This eliminates the need for separate bonding steps, adhesives, or complex surface treatments, achieving strong bonding while maintaining manufacturing simplicity suitable for large-scale production.
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 provides a durable tire with tailored traction, cut-resistance, and load support characteristics, reducing the likelihood of material separation and enabling efficient large-scale production.
Implementation Method 1
The support structure may be chemically bonded to the tread portion. According to some aspects, the first polyurethane may be covalently bonded to the second polyurethane.
Implementation Method 2
the intermediate portion may include a semi-permeable membrane configured to permit chemical bonding between the first polyurethane and the second polyurethane
Data Source
AI summary
A molded tire may include a support structure having an inner circumferential portion and an outer circumferential portion. The inner circumferential portion may be configured to be associated with a hub. The molded tire may also include a tread portion associated with the outer circumferential portion of the support structure, wherein the tread portion may be formed from a first polyurethane having first material characteristics. The support structure may be formed from a second polyurethane having second material characteristics different than the first material characteristics. The support structure may be chemically bonded to the tread portion.