Thermal Expansion Mold Core for Annular Tire Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tire molding and curing methods are inadequate for forming non-traditional, annular tires without sidewalls, resulting in less than optimum results.
Innovation Solution
A mold core system with an outer ring capable of expanding and contracting with temperature changes is used within a mold to form an annular article, allowing for a uniform gap creation upon cooling for easy removal, and includes a central inner member and radially extending translation members for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tire molding and curing methods are used, then conventional tires with sidewalls can be formed, but non-traditional annular articles without sidewalls cannot be properly molded or cured
Solution Approach 1:
The mold core is divided into multiple segments including an outer ring, inner ring, and translation members that can move independently. This segmentation allows the mold core to adapt to annular article geometry while maintaining precise control over molding cavities, enabling both versatility for non-traditional shapes and manufacturing precision for quality formation.
2Ease of operation
If the mold core is cooled to remove the article, then the article can be removed from the mold, but non-uniform cooling causes warping or deformation of the article
Solution Approach 1:
The mold core incorporates translation members that can dynamically adjust their position radially as the outer ring expands or contracts with temperature changes. This dynamic adjustment maintains uniform spacing between mold segments during cooling, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing warping while facilitating easy article removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer ring is designed to expand when heated during molding and contract when cooled for removal. This controlled thermal expansion and contraction, combined with the translation members that accommodate the movement, enables uniform cooling across the annular article, preventing deformation while allowing straightforward ejection.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the outer ring is made rigid for structural stability, then the mold core maintains its shape, but it cannot accommodate thermal expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The outer ring is designed with controlled flexibility to expand and contract radially in response to temperature changes. Translation members are positioned to accommodate this thermal movement while maintaining overall structural stability, allowing the mold core to adapt to thermal conditions without compromising its compositional integrity.
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 method enables efficient molding and curing of annular articles, such as non-inflated tires or tread bands, by ensuring uniform expansion and contraction, facilitating easy removal from the mold and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the outer ring being formed of a material capable of expanding and contracting with changes in temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Particular embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatus for molding and/or curing an article. Particular embodiments of such methods include positioning a mold core centrally within mold outer portion to form an annular mold cavity between the mold outer portion and the mold core, the core including an outer ring having an outer surface for engaging the annular article, the outer ring being formed of a material capable of expanding and contracting with changes in temperature. Such methods also include heating the mold outer ring, cooling the core outer ring subsequent to the step of heating, whereby the core outer ring contracts relative to the article and removing the article from the core outer ring.