Tire Vulcanizing Mould Microstructure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sectored tire moulds face difficulties in achieving precise sealing during vulcanization due to clearance issues between moulding linings and shells, leading to flash formation, and existing solutions complicate and increase the cost of mould manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating microstructures in the mould that deform to fill clearance gaps between adjacent sectors and/or between sectors and shells, eliminating the need for additional parts and simplifying the manufacturing process by integrating them with the linings and shells through techniques like laser sintering or microwelding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If additional ring segments and fastening parts are added to reduce clearance between sectors, then sealing precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sealing function directly into the existing sector and shell structures by adding microstructures to the moulding linings, eliminating the need for separate ring segments and fastening parts. The microstructures are formed as part of the lining manufacturing process, merging the sealing function with the existing structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies microstructures only at specific locations where clearance problems occur (at the interfaces between adjacent sectors and between sectors and shells), rather than modifying the entire mould structure. This localized approach improves sealing precision without adding complexity to the overall mould design.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional ring segments and fastening parts are added to reduce clearance between sectors, then sealing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing microstructures are integrated into the moulding linings and manufactured using the same processes (such as laser sintering or micrawelding) already used for creating the linings themselves. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly operations for additional sealing components, reducing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The microstructures are self-forming during the lining manufacturing process through laser sintering or micrawelding techniques, requiring no additional assembly steps or fastening operations. The sealing function is achieved automatically as part of the existing manufacturing workflow.
3Device complexity
If microstructures are integrated into existing linings, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The microstructures are strategically positioned at the precise locations where clearance problems occur (interfaces between sectors and between sectors and shells). This localized application ensures that sealing effectiveness is maintained at critical interfaces while keeping the overall structure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The microstructures modify the local physical parameters at the sealing interfaces by creating deformable features that can adapt to clearance variations. When the mould closes, these microstructures deform to fill gaps, maintaining effective sealing despite variations in assembly precision.
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 microstructures effectively seal the mould, preventing flash formation while reducing manufacturing complexity and costs by eliminating the need for separate, additional components, and allowing for adaptive filling of clearance gaps.
Implementation Method 1
the deformation of the microstructures is plastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
techniques like laser sintering or micrawelding
Implementation Method 3
techniques like laser sintering or micrawelding
Data Source
AI summary
A mould (10) for a tire, comprising two shells (30) that are each intended to mould a lateral sidewall of the tire, a ring of sectors (20) intended to mould a tread of the tire, each sector (20) of the ring of sectors comprising a radially inner face (21) having a moulding lining (22). The mould (10) has microstructures (50) that are designed to fill a clearance between two moulding linings (22) of adjacent sectors (20) and/or between a moulding lining (22) of one sector (20) and a shell (30), when the mould is closed.