Rotating Cap and Outer Ring for Centrifugal Tire Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturing processes for non-pneumatic tires are inefficient and costly due to the need for manual attachment and detachment of mold components, which hampers the production of tires with enhanced reliability and reduced downtime.
Innovation Solution
A molding apparatus with first and second platens that allow the mold to be automatically opened and closed, featuring a rotating cap and outer ring with a pouring slot, and a motor-driven mechanism for rotating the mold, enabling automated tire production without obstructing the liquid's path during filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual attachment and detachment of mold components is used, then the mold can be assembled and disassembled, but the production efficiency is low and downtime is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The mold components (cap and outer ring) are made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing automatic opening and closing through rotation. The cap rotates on a vertical axis to open the pouring slot, and the entire mold rotates to position the tire for ejection, eliminating manual assembly/disassembly operations and reducing downtime between production cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The mold performs self-service functions through automated rotation mechanisms. The cap automatically opens the pouring slot by rotating, the mold automatically positions itself for tire ejection through rotation, and the system eliminates the need for external manual intervention in the molding cycle, thereby improving productivity and reducing operational downtime
2Extent of automation
If the mold is automatically opened and closed with platens, then the molding process is automated, but the pouring slot may be obstructed during liquid filling
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed to rotate on a vertical axis to dynamically open the pouring slot during the liquid filling phase, ensuring unobstructed access for material injection. After filling, the cap rotates back to its closed position, maintaining automation while preserving filling accessibility throughout the molding cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The mold is segmented into distinct rotatable components (cap and outer ring) with independent rotation capabilities. This segmentation allows the pouring slot to be opened independently during filling without affecting the automated platen operation, and enables the tire to be rotated independently for ejection, resolving the conflict between automation and filling accessibility
3Extent of automation
If the cap and outer ring are separately attached to the apparatus, then the mold can be opened and closed automatically, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable cap and outer ring serve multiple functions: they form the mold cavity, provide the pouring slot opening mechanism, enable mold rotation for tire positioning, and facilitate automatic ejection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby automating mold operation while limiting the increase in structural complexity
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 solution enables efficient and cost-effective production of non-pneumatic tires by automating the molding process, ensuring consistent and uniform spoke formation without manual intervention, reducing downtime, and improving tire handling and ejection.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid is spread via centrifugation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
This invention relates generally to an apparatus for casting a portion of a tire, and, more specifically, to an apparatus that has a cap and an outer ring that are rotatably attached to a fixed portion of the molding apparatus for centrifugally molding the spokes of a non- pneumatic tire from polyurethane or some other suitable material. The cap and outer ring have separate rotatable attachments to the apparatus and are not otherwise connected to each other, so they are free to rotate without obscuring the pouring slot of the mold.