Replaceable Tread Belt Locking for Fast Tire Retreading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tire retreading methods require abrading, buffing, and curing steps, which are time-consuming and generate rubber waste, and often necessitate the use of adhesives between the tread belt and the tire body.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece tire design featuring a seamless tread belt secured to the tire body using mechanical locking mechanisms, eliminating the need for a cushion layer and adhesives, allowing for direct contact between the tread belt and the body, and utilizing natural tack and air pressure for securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional retreading methods are used with abrading, buffing, and curing steps, then the tread belt can be securely attached to the tire body, but the process becomes time-consuming and generates rubber waste
Solution Approach 1:
The tire is divided into two separate pieces: a reusable body and a replaceable tread belt. This segmentation allows the tread belt to be independently removed and replaced without processing the entire tire, eliminating time-consuming abrading and buffing steps while maintaining secure attachment through the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional chemical bonding process (adhesives and curing) is replaced with a mechanical locking system consisting of protrusions and lockable cavities. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for time-consuming curing steps while providing reliable attachment security through physical interlocking
2Reliability
If traditional retreading methods are used with adhesives and cushion layers, then the tread belt can be securely attached to the tire body, but the process generates rubber waste and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion layer and adhesive materials are completely extracted from the retreading process. The design uses only the essential components (body and tread belt) connected through a mechanical locking mechanism, eliminating waste-generating materials while maintaining attachment security through the protrusion-cavity locking system
Solution Approach 2:
The tread belt is designed as a separate, replaceable component that can be easily removed and replaced without damaging the tire body. This allows the body to be recovered and reused multiple times with different tread belts, minimizing rubber waste while ensuring secure attachment during use
3Reliability
If traditional retreading methods are used with multiple processing steps, then the tread belt can be securely attached to the tire body, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tire system is segmented into modular components (body and tread belt) with standardized locking interfaces. This segmentation simplifies the overall process by allowing independent handling and replacement of the tread belt, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining secure attachment through the standardized locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Complex chemical processes (adhesive application, cushion layer processing, curing) are replaced with a simple mechanical locking system. The protrusion-cavity locking mechanism provides secure attachment through straightforward mechanical interlocking, dramatically reducing process complexity while ensuring reliable attachment security
Data Source
AI summary
A two-piece tire of the present disclosure may include a tread belt and a body capable of being connected by a plurality of locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms may include a protrusion capable of extending into a lockable cavity via an opening defined by a lip that protrudes into the lockable cavity. For an individual locking mechanism, the protrusion may be integral with the tread belt or the body, and the lockable cavity integral to the other.