Radiation Pyrometer for Tire Vulcanization Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional temperature measurement methods in tire vulcanization processes are inadequate as they measure temperature far away from the tire, leading to incorrect assumptions about temperature distribution and homogeneity, resulting in suboptimal vulcanization and energy inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A radiation pyrometer is used to directly measure temperatures at critical points inside the vulcanization bellows, allowing for precise temperature control through adjustments in steam pressure and chuff length, ensuring accurate heat transfer to the tire.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If temperature sensors are arranged in pipes or on the central mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because temperature is measured far away from the tire

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor arrangement complexityVSAvoidtemperature measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A radiation pyrometer is introduced as an intermediary measurement device that can measure temperature remotely through thermal radiation without requiring physical contact with the heating medium or bellows, thus maintaining measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of placing sensors directly in the heating environment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based temperature sensors with a radiation pyrometer that measures temperature through electromagnetic radiation, eliminating the need for physical sensor placement in the heating medium while maintaining accurate temperature measurement at the bellows surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If temperature sensors are placed in the heating medium cavity, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases and the sensors are exposed to harsh thermal conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based temperature sensors with a radiation pyrometer that measures temperature through electromagnetic radiation, eliminating the need for physical sensor placement in the heating medium while maintaining accurate temperature measurement at the bellows surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If conventional temperature measurement methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity decreases due to longer heating times and energy inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement system complexityVSAvoidvulcanization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation pyrometer provides real-time temperature feedback from the bellows surface, enabling closed-loop control of the heating process that optimizes energy consumption and reduces heating time, thereby improving productivity while maintaining a relatively simple device configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 high product quality tires by maintaining precise temperature control at relevant heating points, leading to energy savings and reduced heating times.

Implementation Method 1

The radiation pyrometer measures the temperature on the inner side of the bellows

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

The green tire is supplied with the necessary vulcanization temperature via the bellows wall of the bellows

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

The heating press is operated with a vaporous heating medium... subjected to a vaporous heating medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2387499B1Apparatus for vulcanizing of tires in a hot press
Publication Date: 2013.04.24 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP2387499B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for vulcanizing vehicle tires using a heating press. In order to provide a device for vulcanizing vehicle tires, by means of which the measurement of the vulcanization temperature at the relevant locations of the internal heater is performed, the invention proposes that a temperature sensor in the form of a spectral pyrometer (4) is disposed in the bellows cavity (7), by means of which an indirect temperature measurement takes place at at least one location at the interior of the bellows (8) by means of a measurement of the radiant energy (10) emitted by the interior of the bellows (8).