Segmented Tire Mould With Insulating Support Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire curing molds struggle to efficiently maintain different temperature levels between shells and sectors, and within distinct zones of each shell, which is necessary for optimal tire curing but not effectively addressed by current technologies.

Innovation Solution

The use of thermally insulating support plates with recesses housing independent heating means allows for efficient heating and temperature control, enabling shells and sectors to be maintained at different temperatures, with each heating means capable of generating heat independently and positioned to optimize heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional heating means are mounted on shells and sectors, then heating capability is provided, but temperature control between different zones (shells vs sectors, and within shells) cannot be effectively achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidheating system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heating means (first heating means for shells, second heating means for sectors) that can be controlled separately. Each heating means is mounted on dedicated support plates, allowing independent temperature control of different mold zones without requiring a completely complex integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Support plates are introduced as intermediary components between the heating means and the mold shells/sectors. These support plates provide mounting surfaces and thermal isolation, enabling the heating means to be positioned and controlled independently while maintaining the required temperature distributions in the mold zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If heating means are mounted directly on shells and sectors, then heating is provided, but energy efficiency is reduced due to uncontrolled heat exchange

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidheat exchange loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The support plates act as thermal intermediaries that isolate the heating means from direct contact with the mold shells and sectors. This intermediary structure allows heat to be directed primarily where needed (into the respective shell or sector zones) while reducing parasitic heat exchange with other mold components, thereby improving energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support plates enable localized heating by positioning heating means directly adjacent to specific mold zones (shells or sectors) that require heating. This local quality approach ensures that heat energy is concentrated where needed rather than being distributed uniformly, reducing energy waste and improving overall energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances energy efficiency and allows for heterogeneous temperature distribution within the mold, optimizing the tire curing process by limiting heat exchanges and enabling precise temperature control between shells and sectors.

Implementation Method 1

chaque plaque de support étant réalisé en un matériau thermiquement isolant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

chacun desdits premiers ou seconds moyens de chauffage étant capable de générer de la chaleur indépendamment de l'activation des autres moyens de chauffage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIndependent heat generation: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3079890B1Segmented mould for tires having insulated supporting plates and associated moulding process
Publication Date: 2019.02.06 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)
  • EP3079890B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a mould for a tyre which includes first and second shells 16, 18 intended for providing the moulding of the sidewalls of the tyre, a plurality of sectors 20, 22 distributed in the circumferential direction and intended for providing the moulding of a tread of said tyre, first and second supporting plates 12, 14 each including a bearing surface 12a, 14a against which the associated shell is mounted axially in contact, and a plurality of first and second heating means 42, 44 for heating at least the first and second shells 16, 18, respectively. Each supporting plate 12, 14 includes at least one body made of a thermally insulating material and defining the bearing surface 12a, 14a of said plate, at least one recess 12b, 14b being formed on said bearing surface, inside of which the first and second heating means 42, 44 are inserted.