Tire Cavity Sound-Absorbing Strip Application With Progressive Liner Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing method for applying sound-absorbing material in pneumatic tires requires manual intervention to separate the protective lining, is lengthy, and prone to damage the adhesive layer, with potential elongations or compressions leading to material cracks.

Innovation Solution

An automated application unit with a separation station and coupling station that uses a cryogenic method to make the sound-absorbing material brittle for easy separation of the excess end, followed by an applicator device that progressively removes the protective lining during application, ensuring minimal exposure to air and avoiding material damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual separation of protective lining is used, then the process is simple, but it is lengthy and prone to damage the adhesive layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual separation simplicityVSAvoidapplication process duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical separation with an automated cutting device that uses a cutting element to separate the protective lining from the sound-absorbing material. This automation eliminates the time-consuming manual process while preventing adhesive damage through controlled cutting action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual separation of protective lining is used, then the process is simple, but it is prone to damage the adhesive layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual separation simplicityVSAvoidadhesive layer integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the sound-absorbing material is left exposed to air for a long time, then the separation is easier, but foreign objects adhere to the adhesive layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation easeVSAvoidforeign object contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the separation action immediately before application, using an automated cutting device that separates the protective lining just moments before the sound-absorbing material contacts the tire inner surface. This timing minimizes air exposure to prevent contamination while ensuring complete separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Loss of substance

If the strip of sound-absorbing material is cut to size manually, then material waste is minimized, but the process becomes lengthy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial wasteVSAvoidapplication speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual cutting with an automated cutting device that precisely cuts the sound-absorbing material to the required length. This automation maintains material efficiency through precise cutting while dramatically increasing processing speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The method and unit automate the application process, reducing manual intervention, minimizing material damage, and ensuring efficient, fast, and high-quality application without elongations or compressions that could lead to cracks.

Implementation Method 1

uses a cryogenic method to make the sound-absorbing material brittle for easy separation of the excess end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFreezing: Freezing

Data Source

PatentUS12409624B2Method and application unit for applying a sound-absorbing material in an inner cavity of a pneumatic tire

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 BRIDGESTONE EURO NV SA

AI summary

Method and application unit (3) for applying a sound-absorbing material (2) to an inner cavity of a pneumatic tyre (1). The following steps are provided: eliminating an excess end (5) of a strip (4) of sound-absorbing material (2); progressively separating a protective lining (7) from an adhesive layer (6) of the strip (4) as the strip (4) of sound-absorbing material (2) is applied to the inner cavity of the tyre; implementing by means of the strip (4) a separation opening (8) that starts from an opposite side of the protective lining (7) and ends at the protective lining (7) which remains intact, and separating the excess end (5) from the remaining part of the strip (4) of sound-absorbing material (2); and pulling the excess end (5) in relation to the remaining part of the strip such as to separate the protective lining (7) from the strip (4).