Non-symmetrical Tread Ring Mold for Off-road Tire Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire mold designs are limited in creating non-symmetric tread patterns that extend onto the shoulder or sidewall of tires, restricting the formation of aggressive off-road tire designs due to constraints in mold segment design and vulcanization processes.

Innovation Solution

A tire mold with adjustable tread ring parting lines and non-symmetric tread mold segments that allow for the formation of tread patterns extending onto one sidewall, using a combination of tread mold segments and side molds to create a compartment for forming unique tread patterns on tires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional symmetrical mold segment designs are used, then uniform tire design on both sides is achieved, but the ability to create aggressive off-road tread patterns extending onto sidewalls is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetread pattern design flexibilityVSAvoidmold segment design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by designing mold segments with non-uniform configurations where the tread pattern extends further onto the sidewall on one side of the tire compared to the other side. This asymmetric mold segment design enables the creation of aggressive off-road tread patterns that break from traditional symmetrical designs, allowing enhanced adaptability in tread pattern design while managing mold complexity through purposeful asymmetric geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes segmentation by dividing the mold into multiple independent segments that can be configured asymmetrically. Each mold segment can be designed with different geometries to create varied tread patterns on different portions of the tire, particularly enabling the tread to extend onto sidewall regions. This segmentation approach provides design flexibility while keeping individual segment complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If tread pattern extends lower onto shoulder or sidewall portions, then enhanced functionality and aggressive appearance are achieved, but mold design constraints limit the ability to create such patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetread extension capabilityVSAvoidmold design ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring mold segments with varying tread pattern extensions at different locations around the tire circumference. Specifically, the tread pattern is designed to extend further onto the sidewall in certain regions (shoulder areas) while maintaining conventional patterns in other regions. This localized variation in tread extension capability enhances functionality and aggressive appearance in key areas without requiring complete redesign of the entire mold system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamics through adjustable and reconfigurable mold segment designs that allow the tread ring parting lines to be positioned at different locations. This dynamic configuration capability enables the mold to produce tires with tread patterns extending onto sidewalls when needed, while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized adjustable mechanisms rather than completely custom mold designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-symmetric tread patterns are created, then enhanced traction and aesthetic appeal are achieved, but existing press assemblies and vulcanization processes must accommodate the new mold design

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-symmetric tread production capabilityVSAvoidintegration with existing equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing mold segments with standardized interfaces and configurations that can be integrated into existing press assemblies and vulcanization processes. The asymmetric mold segments maintain compatibility with conventional equipment through universal mounting features and standard operational procedures, enabling non-symmetric tread production without requiring specialized or custom-modified press equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10870248B2Non-symmetrical tread ring parting line mold

Publication Date: 2020.12.22 BRIDGESTONE AMERICAS TIRE OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A mold design having a non-symmetric tread ring parting line is described that forms a tread pattern that extends onto the off-shoulder area of a tire on one side. The mold has a single tread segment that forms the entire tread pattern on the tire. The tread segment of the mold is non-symmetric in that one end, a first end, extends farther downward than the opposite end, a second end. The first end of the tread segment contains a tread pattern design capable of imparting a tread design on the off-shoulder or sidewall of one side of the tire to form a non-symmetric tread pattern.