Removably Attached Lamelle for Tire Mold Tread Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tire mold systems lack flexibility in modifying tread patterns, as permanently attached lamelles require replacing entire interchangeable elements, leading to increased waste and reduced construction freedom.

Innovation Solution

A mold design featuring removably attached lamelles to interchangeable elements, allowing for quick substitution and reconfiguration of sipe patterns without scrapping the entire element, using mechanical fasteners or interlocking arrangements, and enabling construction through 3D printing and casting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If lamelles are permanently attached to interchangeable elements, then structural integrity is maintained, but flexibility in modifying tread patterns is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidflexibility in modifying tread patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The interchangeable element is divided into two separate components: the main body and the lamelle. The lamelle can be detached from the main body through a detachment interface, allowing independent replacement of the lamelle without replacing the entire interchangeable element. This segmentation enables flexible modification of tread patterns while maintaining structural integrity through proper reattachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If entire interchangeable elements are replaced to modify lamelles, then tread pattern flexibility is achieved, but material waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetread pattern flexibilityVSAvoidmaterial waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The lamelle is extracted as a separate, detachable component from the interchangeable element. The detachment interface allows the lamelle to be removed and replaced independently. This extraction principle enables modification of tread patterns by replacing only the lamelle portion rather than the entire interchangeable element, significantly reducing material waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If permanently attached lamelles are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but construction freedom is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidconstruction freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment between the lamelle and interchangeable element is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The detachment interface allows the connection to be made and broken as needed during manufacturing and modification processes. This dynamic design maintains manufacturing simplicity through straightforward attachment mechanisms while enabling construction freedom through easy reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3600861B1Tire mold with interchangeable element having removably attachable lamelle

Publication Date: 2022.03.02 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

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AI summary

A mold (10) for forming a tire (12) is provided that has an interchangeable element (14) configured for engaging the tire (12) and forming a section of tread (16) of the tire (12) when the tire (12) is molded by the mold (10).A lamelle (18) is removably attachable to the interchangeable element (14) and is configured for engaging the tire (12) and forming a sipe (20) of the section of tread (16) of the tire (12). The lamelle (18) is removably attachable in that the lamelle (18) is configured to be attached to the interchangeable element (14) and then removed from attachment to the interchangeable element (14).