Pre-Vulcanized Tread Strip With Integrated Reinforcing Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tire retreading processes using pre-vulcanized treads without a reinforcing layer are inefficient due to the need for an additional reinforcing layer added during bonding, which increases complexity and requires roughening the tread base for adhesion, complicating the process and potentially reducing delamination resistance.

Innovation Solution

A manufacturing process that integrates a reinforcing layer into the pre-vulcanized tread during production, allowing for partial curing of a tread compound with pressure, temperature, and time, resulting in a pre-vulcanized tread with a reinforcing layer extending over the entire circumference or arranged in segments, providing additional reinforcement and easier demolding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a reinforcing layer is added during bonding in current retreading processes, then adhesion is improved, but the process complexity increases and additional roughening is required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the reinforcing layer with the pre-vulcanized tread into a single integrated component. The reinforcing layer is incorporated into the tread structure during pre-vulcanization, eliminating the need for separate application during the bonding process. This merging of components reduces process complexity while maintaining the adhesion benefits of the reinforcing layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcing layer is applied and integrated into the tread structure in advance during the pre-vulcanization stage, before the actual bonding process. This preliminary action ensures that the reinforcing layer is already in position and properly integrated, eliminating the need for additional steps during bonding and reducing overall process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If the tread base is roughened to increase adhesion, then bonding strength is improved, but the delamination resistance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoiddelamination resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing layer acts as an intermediary between the tread base and the bonding interface. It provides a surface that enhances adhesion without requiring roughening of the underlying tread base. The reinforcing layer's structure allows for effective bonding while preserving the integrity and smoothness of the original tread base, thereby maintaining delamination resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a pre-vulcanized tread without reinforcing layer is used, then the retreading process is simplified, but additional reinforcement is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidreinforcement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the reinforcing layer with the pre-vulcanized tread into a single integrated component. This combination allows the tread to provide both simplification of the retreading process and the necessary reinforcement, eliminating the need for separate reinforcing steps while maintaining structural integrity.

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

The integrated reinforcing layer enhances the efficiency of the retreading process by improving adhesion, reducing the need for additional roughening, and providing targeted reinforcement at weak points, thus simplifying the process and enhancing tire durability.

Implementation Method 1

pre-vulcanizing using a parameter set of pressure, temperature and time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVulcanization:

Data Source

PatentEP4691747A1Method for producing a prevulcanised tread strip, prevulcanised tread strip and vehicle tyre with prevulcanised tread strip
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP4691747A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4691747A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4691747A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Manufacturing process for producing a pre-vulcanized tread (1), comprising the process steps: - providing a tread vulcanizing press, - filling the tread vulcanizing press with a component set, wherein the component set comprises a tread mixture, - pre-vulcanizing the component set in the tread vulcanizing press to form the pre-vulcanized tread (1), - demolding the pre-vulcanized tread (1) from the tread vulcanizing press, wherein the component set comprises a reinforcing layer (2).