Tire Bead Ablation for Uniformity Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tire building methods often result in non-uniformities that cause vibrations and noise during vehicle operation, which are difficult to correct using existing techniques, especially in low-profile tires and those with specific uniformity parameters.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for selectively removing material along tire bead locations using calculated ablation patterns to correct harmonics of uniformity parameters such as radial and lateral force variations, radial run out, and mass variance, employing techniques like laser ablation, grinding, or sandblasting, with precise control over rotational speed and power to achieve uniformity correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional tire building methods are used, then tire manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but tire uniformity is poor causing vibrations and noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetire uniformityVSAvoidcorrection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by measuring and calculating the required material removal amounts at different bead locations before actual correction. The system determines correction patterns in advance based on measured uniformity parameters, then executes material removal according to pre-calculated specifications, ensuring precise correction while maintaining operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by selectively removing material at specific bead locations rather than uniformly across the entire tire. The correction system targets specific zones (first bead location, second bead location) with different removal amounts based on local uniformity deficiencies, applying differentiated treatment to different parts of the tire structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If material removal correction is applied, then tire uniformity parameters are improved, but manufacturing complexity and process time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity parameter correctionVSAvoidcorrection process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the correction process into distinct stages: measuring uniformity parameters, calculating correction amounts for different bead locations, and executing material removal at specific zones. The system segments the tire bead into multiple locations (first bead location, second bead location) with independent correction strategies, enabling parallel processing and reducing total correction time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical correction methods with automated material removal systems controlled by calculated parameters. Instead of manual intervention or complex mechanical adjustments, the system uses controlled material removal based on computational analysis, streamlining the correction process and reducing operational time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If selective material removal is performed at different bead locations, then harmonics of uniformity parameters are corrected, but material loss and tire weight variation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharmonic correction accuracyVSAvoidtire material removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by removing material only to the extent necessary for correction at each bead location. The system calculates precise removal amounts based on measured uniformity parameters and harmonic analysis, removing material partially rather than completely, ensuring correction effectiveness while minimizing unnecessary material loss and weight variation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 approach allows for precise correction of tire uniformity parameters, reducing vibrations and noise, and improving ride comfort by selectively removing material at specific bead locations, effectively addressing the limitations of existing correction methods.

Implementation Method 1

selectively removing material along tire bead locations using calculated ablation patterns

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

employing techniques like laser ablation, grinding, or sandblasting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGrinding: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS9996077B2Uniformity correction by ablation at different track locations along a tire bead

Publication Date: 2018.06.12 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

AI summary

A system and method for reducing the magnitude of one or more harmonica of one or more uniformity parameters in a cured tire involves selective removal of tire material at one or more track/area locations along first and second bead profiles. Selective removal may occur via ablation at the bead seat, low flange and/or high flange zones to correct for a selected number of harmonic of such parameters as radial, lateral and tangential force variation. Ablation pattern are calculated and implemented on first and second tire beads to achieve desired levels of force reduction at selected angular locations (within the expanse from 0-360 degrees along each tire bead). Ablation patterns may be calculated for implementation at fixed or varied tire rotational speeds and/or fixed or varied levels of laser power.