Non-Pneumatic Tire Tread Curing With Support Structure Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for applying a tread to non-pneumatic tire structures are inefficient and may damage the support structures, lacking a comprehensive system for secure and uniform tread application.

Innovation Solution

A method and system involving a curing envelope secured around an elastomeric tread on a non-pneumatic tire structure, with protective disks on either side to safeguard the support structure, and heat application within the curing envelope to bond the tread to the upper ring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive or cement is used to adhere a pre-cured tread to an upper ring, then the tread can be attached to the non-pneumatic tire structure, but the support structure may be damaged and the application process is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetread attachment securityVSAvoidsupport structure damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a curing envelope as an intermediary device between the heat source and the tread/support structure. This envelope allows uniform heat distribution while protecting the support structure from direct thermal damage, enabling secure tread attachment without harmful effects to the underlying structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding method (adhesive or cement) with a thermal bonding process. By applying heat through the curing envelope, the tread is bonded directly to the upper ring through thermal activation, eliminating the need for adhesives and preventing support structure damage associated with chemical methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If heat is applied to bond the elastomeric tread to the upper ring, then secure attachment is achieved, but the support structure may be damaged without proper protection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetread bonding uniformityVSAvoidsupport structure thermal damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The curing envelope is positioned and secured around the tread and support structure before heat application begins. This pre-positioning creates a protective barrier that cushions the support structure against direct thermal exposure, allowing uniform heat distribution for precise bonding while preventing thermal damage beforehand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The curing envelope serves as a thermal intermediary that mediates between the heat source and the support structure. It allows controlled heat transfer for uniform tread bonding while filtering out excessive thermal energy that would damage the support structure, achieving both bonding precision and structural protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a curing envelope is used to apply heat for bonding the tread, then uniform and secure attachment is achieved, but the process requires additional components and setup time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetread bonding securityVSAvoidcuring envelope system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The curing envelope is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a heat transfer medium, a protective barrier for the support structure, and a bonding facilitator. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable tread bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the heat application function and the structural protection function into a single curing envelope component. By combining these functions that were previously separate (heat source and protective barrier), the system achieves reliable bonding without the complexity of multiple separate devices and setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach ensures a secure, uniform, and damage-free application of the tread to the non-pneumatic tire structure, enhancing the tire's performance and durability.

Implementation Method 1

applying heat within the curing envelope

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250026150A1System and method for protecting a support structure of a non-pneumatic tire

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 BRIDGESTONE BANDAG LLC

AI summary

A method of making a non-pneumatic tire includes providing a non-pneumatic tire structure, and providing a first disk and a second disk. The method further includes securing the first disk to a first side of the non-pneumatic tire structure and securing the second disk to a second side of the non-pneumatic tire structure. The method also includes providing an elastomeric tread circumferentially about a top of the non-pneumatic tire structure and securing a curing envelope about the elastomeric tread. The securing of the curing envelope about the elastomeric tread includes the steps of securing a first end of the curing envelope to the first side of the non-pneumatic tire structure and securing a second end of the curing envelope to the second side of the non-pneumatic tire structure. The method further includes applying heat within the curing envelope.