Retreaded Tire Recessed Void Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
During tire retreading, recessed voids in the tread can become misshapen or deformed due to curing forces and pressure differentials, especially when the tread material is thin, leading to reduced void volume and altered shape.
Innovation Solution
A circumferential band is placed around the retreaded tire over the recessed voids, providing additional support and material thickness to resist deformation, combined with a curing membrane that applies controlled pressure and heat to maintain the shape and volume of the voids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If vacuum pressure and curing pressure are applied during retreading, then the tread bonds to the carcass, but the recessed voids become misshapen or deformed
Solution Approach 1:
A support structure is placed within the recessed voids before the curing process begins. This support structure preemptively counteracts the deformation forces that will be applied during vacuum and curing pressure, preventing the voids from collapsing or changing shape while still allowing the tread to bond to the carcass
2Reliability
If pressure is applied to the tire by the autoclave, then curing is achieved, but the internal pressure differential increases and compresses the voids
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is installed before autoclave pressure is applied, creating a preemptive counterforce that prevents the pressure differential from compressing the voids. The support maintains void volume throughout the curing process by resisting the inward pressure forces
3Weight of moving object
If the tread material is thin, then weight is reduced, but the recessed voids are more susceptible to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of thickening the entire tread, the support structure is placed locally only within the recessed voids where deformation occurs. This provides targeted reinforcement to protect void shape while maintaining thin tread material elsewhere, preserving the weight benefits
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 method effectively stabilizes the recessed voids, maintaining their original shape and volume during the retreading process, preventing deformation and ensuring consistent tire performance.
Implementation Method 1
Vacuum pressure is applied to the area between the curing membrane and the tread to substantially remove the air between the curing membrane and the tire assembly
Implementation Method 2
The retread tire assembly with curing membrane is placed within a curing chamber, which often referred to as an autoclave, to bond the tread to the tire carcass, where the membrane-covered assembly is exposed to heat and pressure according to a desired curing process
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include methods for supporting a recessed void during retreading operations. Such methods include the steps of providing a tread having a top side and a bottom side, the tread including a recessed void recessed below the top side of the tread. Such methods also include the step of arranging the tread around an outer circumference of the tire carcass in a desired position to form an assembled retreaded tire. Such methods further include the step of arranging a removable circumferential band around the assembled retreaded tire positioned over top the recessed void and the top side of the tread. Such methods further include the steps of placing a curing membrane around at least a portion of the tire and the circumferential band and curing the retreaded tire with the circumferential band contained within the curing membrane.