Blind Hole Machining for Tire Insert Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inserting inserts into tires, such as studs, require pre-drilled holes and are not suitable for retro-fitting or variable configurations, particularly in 'smart' tires with fragile electronic components, as they lack structural support and risk damage during insertion.
Innovation Solution
A method for machining blind holes in prefabricated tires with varying cross-sections to accommodate inserts, providing geometric support and allowing for customizable positioning and shape, using drill bits with protrusions or radially expanding parts to create holes that can securely hold inserts with flanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pre-drilled holes are made during tire fabrication, then inserts can be inserted into the tire, but the number, position and shape of holes must be known in advance which limits retro-fitting and variable configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-machining blind holes with enlarged bottoms in the tire tread blocks during tire fabrication, but leaving them empty without inserts. This allows the structural support to be prepared in advance while maintaining the flexibility to insert different types, numbers, and positions of inserts later based on specific application requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and adaptability
2Ease of manufacture
If normal drill bits are used to make cylindrical holes, then holes can be created, but the cylindrical shape does not provide structural support against inserts coming off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by machining blind holes with an asymmetric geometry featuring a smaller upper section and a significantly enlarged bottom section. This asymmetric shape provides structural support through the enlarged bottom that prevents inserts from coming off, while still allowing relatively easy creation through machining processes, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and structural support
3Extent of automation
If robotized methods with stud guns are used for insert insertion, then automation is achieved, but fragile electronic components in smart tires risk damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a protective sleeve that fits over the insert during the automated insertion process. The sleeve acts as a mediator between the automated stud gun and the fragile insert, protecting electronic components from damage while still allowing the automated insertion to proceed, thus resolving the contradiction between automation extent and insert reliability
4Productivity
If molds are used during tire fabrication, then holes can be created efficiently, but the method is not suitable for retro-fitting already manufactured tires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the hole creation process from the insert insertion process. The blind holes with enlarged bottoms are machined independently during tire fabrication, and inserts are inserted separately later. This segmentation allows efficient bulk preparation of holes while maintaining the flexibility to retrofit individual tires with inserts as needed, resolving the contradiction between productivity and retro-fitting capability
Data Source
AI summary
A method for making a blind hole in a prefabricated tire and a method for inserting an insert to such a blind hole are disclosed. The former comprises arranging available a prefabricated tire comprising tread blocks forming the tread of the tire, and thereafter machining such a blind hole to a tread block of the tire that the blind hole has a first cross section at a first depth and a second cross section at a second depth, wherein the second cross section is greater than the first cross section and the second depth is greater than the first depth.