Tire Uniformity Correcting Drum Thermal Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for improving tire uniformity, such as grinding, result in a deteriorated appearance, poor working environment, and increased cycle time due to tire dust and the need for additional powder removal processes.
Innovation Solution
A tire uniformity correcting drum and apparatus that applies heat and pressure to the tire's inner circumferential surface using a lower and upper drum with a hydraulic driving unit, where the upper drum is movable and has a smaller contact area than the lower drum, to plastically deform the tire bead and improve uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a grinding method is used to improve tire uniformity, then radial force variation is reduced, but tire appearance deteriorates and working environment becomes poor due to tire dust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical grinding system with a thermal treatment system. Instead of using a grinder to mechanically remove material, the invention uses a heating device to apply heat to the tire shoulder portion, causing thermal expansion and relaxation of the rubber material. This thermal approach eliminates the generation of tire dust while achieving the same uniformity correction effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the tire material by applying heat. The heating device raises the temperature of the tire shoulder portion to a specific range (80-150°C), causing the rubber to become more pliable and allowing it to be reshaped without mechanical removal. This parameter change from ambient temperature to elevated temperature enables uniformity correction without dust generation.
2Manufacturing precision
If a grinding method is used to improve tire uniformity, then radial force variation is reduced, but additional process for powder removal is required increasing cycle time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the multi-step mechanical grinding and cleaning system with a single thermal treatment system. The heating device directly treats the tire shoulder portion and achieves the uniformity correction in one operation, eliminating the need for subsequent powder removal processes and reducing overall cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful byproduct generation step inherent in grinding. By using thermal treatment instead of mechanical removal, the process inherently avoids creating tire powder that would require additional removal steps, thus streamlining the manufacturing process.
3Manufacturing precision
If heat and pressure are concentrated on specific areas of the tire, then uniformity is improved, but localized stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thermal energy to change the material properties of the tire rubber, making it more pliable and easier to reshape. By heating the localized area to 80-150°C, the rubber undergoes thermal softening which allows it to be reshaped under lower stress conditions, reducing the risk of damage while achieving uniformity correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies thermal treatment and pressure to the specific localized area of the tire shoulder portion where uniformity issues exist, rather than treating the entire tire. This localized approach concentrates the corrective action where needed while minimizing overall stress on the tire structure.
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 solution effectively enhances tire uniformity by concentrating heat and pressure on specific areas, improving steering stability and reducing vibration and tread wear without the drawbacks of traditional grinding methods.
Implementation Method 1
The upper drum may include: a drum body; a heater provided in the drum body to heat the drum body
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic driving unit configured to connect the lower drum and the upper drum and move up and down the upper drum with respect to the lower drum
Implementation Method 3
a compressed air blowing unit configured to blow compressed air to a portion of an inner circumferential surface of the tire
Data Source
AI summary
A tire uniformity correcting drum comprises: a lower drum to be in contact with a portion of an inner circumferential surface of a tire; an upper drum provided to be movable up and down with respect to the lower drum and configured to press another portion of the inner circumferential surface of the tire which is not in contact with the lower drum; and a hydraulic driving unit configured to connect the lower drum and the upper drum and move up and down the upper drum with respect to the lower drum. A contact area of the upper drum with the inner circumferential surface of the tire is smaller than a contact area of the lower drum with the inner circumferential surface of the tire.