Pneumatic Tire Sound-Absorbing Material Application With Cryogenic Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing method for applying sound-absorbing material in pneumatic tires requires manual intervention to separate the protective lining, is time-consuming, and prone to damaging the adhesive layer, with potential material elongation or compression leading to cracks.

Innovation Solution

An automated application unit with a separation station and coupling station that uses a cryogenic method to make the sound-absorbing material brittle for easy separation of the excess end, followed by an applicator device that progressively removes the protective lining during application, ensuring minimal exposure of the adhesive layer to prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual separation of protective lining is performed, then the process is simple, but it is time-consuming and prone to damaging the adhesive layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication speedVSAvoidadhesive layer integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical separation with an automated cutting device that uses a cutting element to precisely sever the protective lining from the sound-absorbing material. This mechanical substitution eliminates manual intervention, increases processing speed, and ensures consistent cutting without risking adhesive layer damage through improper handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service through automated operation where the cutting device automatically separates the protective lining without requiring operator intervention. The applicator device then automatically applies the sound-absorbing material to the tire inner surface, maintaining continuous operation and preventing adhesive exposure to contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If the protective lining is separated early, then the adhesive can be applied, but the adhesive layer is exposed to foreign objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication processabilityVSAvoidcontamination of adhesive layer

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting device performs preliminary action by separating the protective lining from the sound-absorbing material just before application. This timing ensures the adhesive layer is exposed only momentarily during the cutting and immediate application process, minimizing exposure time to foreign objects while still enabling proper application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuity of useful action by immediately applying the sound-absorbing material to the tire inner surface right after cutting. This continuous operation from cutting to application prevents the adhesive layer from being exposed to contaminants for extended periods, as the material is applied without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If the sound-absorbing material is cut to size, then the correct length is achieved, but material waste occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrip length accuracyVSAvoidsound-absorbing material waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting device enables precise control of the separation point by adjusting cutting parameters such as cutting position and depth. This allows the protective lining to be separated at the exact required length, achieving manufacturing precision while minimizing material waste by avoiding excessive cutting margins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method and unit automate the application process, reducing time and costs while ensuring high-quality application without material damage, preventing elongations or compressions that could lead to cracks.

Implementation Method 1

uses a cryogenic method to make the sound-absorbing material brittle for easy separation of the excess end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFreezing: Freezing

Data Source

PatentUS12420506B2Method and application unit for applying a sound-absorbing material in an inner cavity of a pneumatic tire

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 BRIDGESTONE EURO NV SA

AI summary

Method and application unit (3) for applying a sound-absorbing material (2) to an inner cavity of a pneumatic tyre (1) using a strip (4) of sound-absorbing material (2) provided on one side with an adhesive layer (6) covered with a protective lining (7). The following steps are provided: attaching an initial part of the protective lining (7) to a recovery drum (26); partially winding the strip of sound-absorbing material onto the applicator roller (24); pressing, by means of the applicator roller (24), the strip (4) of sound-absorbing material (2) against the inner cavity of the pneumatic tyre (1) whilst the pneumatic tyre (1) is caused to rotate; and rotating the recovery drum (26) synchronously with the pneumatic tyre (1), such as to wind the protective lining (7) around the recovery drum (26), step-by-step, as the protective lining (7) is separated from the strip (4) of sound-absorbing material (2).