Moulding Element Stiffening Network for Tire Vulcanization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing molding elements for tire treads lack mechanical strength, particularly during molding and demolding, and are prone to breakage due to thinned areas, which are not adequately reinforced.
Innovation Solution
A molding element with a network of protruding elements on both sides, forming a reinforcing structure that stiffens thinned areas, featuring various geometric shapes such as honeycomb, squares, circles, or triangles, and progressive thickness connections to enhance mechanical strength and resistance to demolding stresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If molding elements are made thin to create thinned areas for tire tread design, then the aesthetic and functional properties of the tire tread are improved, but the mechanical strength and resistance to breakage during molding and demolding deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by adding protruding elements that extend from the surface of the molding element. These protrusions create a network structure that adds structural dimensionality to the thinned areas, providing mechanical reinforcement without altering the primary thin/thick geometry needed for tire tread formation. The protruding elements form a spatial framework that distributes stresses throughout the molding element.
Solution Approach 2:
The molding element combines two distinct structural components: thinned areas (for tire tread design) and protruding reinforcing elements (for mechanical strength). This composite structure integrates regions of different thickness and mechanical properties within a single component, allowing the thinned areas to maintain their aesthetic and functional purpose while the protruding elements provide the necessary structural support during molding and demolding operations.
2Quantity of substance
If molding elements are made very thin to reduce material usage and improve tire tread design, then material consumption is reduced and tread geometry is enhanced, but the reliability and resistance to damage during demolding deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing structure is segmented into discrete protruding elements arranged in a network pattern. These individual protrusions are distributed across the surface of the molding element, creating multiple localized reinforcement zones. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain low overall material consumption while providing targeted reinforcement at critical stress points during demolding.
Solution Approach 2:
The molding element combines two distinct structural components: thinned areas (for tire tread design) and protruding reinforcing elements (for mechanical strength). This composite structure integrates regions of different thickness and mechanical properties within a single component, allowing the thinned areas to maintain their aesthetic and functional purpose while the protruding elements provide the necessary structural support during molding and demolding operations.
3Strength
If reinforcing structures are added to thinned areas to improve mechanical strength, then the resistance to breakage during molding is improved, but the complexity of the molding element structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement is applied locally rather than uniformly across the entire molding element. The protruding elements are positioned specifically in regions where mechanical reinforcement is needed, while other areas maintain their thinned geometry for tire tread design. This localized approach provides necessary structural support without unnecessarily complicating the overall structure of the molding element.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding elements feature rounded tops and curved surfaces that follow the contour of the molding element. This curvature design simplifies the manufacturing process by avoiding sharp corners and complex angular features, while still providing effective mechanical reinforcement. The smooth, rounded geometry of the protrusions reduces stress concentration points and simplifies mold design.
Data Source
Figure 1~7b
AI summary
The invention relates to a moulding element (1) intended for insertion into a mould for vulcanising a tyre tread, comprising at least one thinner portion (2) with a thickness of less than or equal to 0.35 mm, and a plurality of elements (3) which protrude with respect to at least one of the faces of said thinner zone, wherein the protruding elements (3) meet on said face and form a network (4) of protruding elements.