Replaceable Center Rib for Dual Tire Tread Mold Segments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dual mold segments used in tire tread production are prone to damage at the center rib, leading to costly mold replacement and production downtime, as the center rib is the weakest point and susceptible to crushing during press operations.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a replaceable rib system within dual mold segments, where the rib can be easily swapped out when damaged, allowing for continued mold functionality and reducing downtime by enabling in-house repair and replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a permanent center rib is used in dual molds, then the mold structure is simple and cost-effective, but the center rib is susceptible to crushing and damage during press operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemold manufacturing costVSAvoidcenter rib durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The center rib is divided into multiple replaceable segments that can be individually replaced when damaged. Each segment is a separate component that fits into the mold cavity, allowing one segment to be replaced without affecting the entire mold structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Damaged center rib segments are discarded and replaced with new segments, while the rest of the mold is recovered and reused. This allows the expensive mold to be maintained while replacing only the inexpensive, damaged portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Reliability

If the entire dual mold is replaced when the center rib is damaged, then the mold reliability is maintained, but production downtime increases and financial losses occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemold functionalityVSAvoidproduction downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mold is segmented into replaceable components, allowing only the damaged center rib segments to be replaced rather than the entire mold. This maintains mold functionality while minimizing production downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Replaceable center rib segments are kept in inventory as spares, allowing for immediate replacement when damage occurs without waiting for mold fabrication or repair, thereby reducing production downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If a replaceable rib system is implemented, then production downtime is reduced and mold life is extended, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction continuityVSAvoidmold structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The center rib is segmented into standardized replaceable components that fit into predetermined cavities. This segmentation allows for easy replacement while maintaining relatively simple overall mold structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The replaceable center rib segments are designed with universal features that allow them to be used across multiple mold configurations. The same basic rib design can be used in different mold segments, reducing the variety of components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10596774B2Dual mold replace center rib

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

AI summary

Assemblies and methods for fabricating one or more molded tire treads are provided along with systems for manufacturing a plurality of tread mold configurations from interchangeable elements.