Non-Pneumatic Tire Curing Assembly for Uniform Load-Bearing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-pneumatic tires face limitations in load carrying capacity and durability due to the characteristics of polymeric spokes, which restrict their performance compared to pneumatic tires.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for manufacturing non-pneumatic tires by using an annular hub member, spacer members, curing platens, and triangular inserts to form a stable tire assembly, incorporating a shear band and tread member, and heating these components to cure the tire into a fully integrated structure, ensuring uniformity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polymeric spokes are used in non-pneumatic tires, then the tire can be manufactured without air pressure, but the load carrying capacity and durability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining metal spokes with polymeric materials to create a hybrid structure. The metal spokes provide the necessary strength and load-bearing capacity, while the polymeric components contribute to flexibility and manufacturing advantages. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by achieving both ease of manufacture and high strength simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the spokes by using metal instead of purely polymeric materials. This parameter change in material composition directly increases the load carrying capacity and durability while maintaining the non-pneumatic manufacturing advantage.
2Device complexity
If polymeric spokes are used in non-pneumatic tires, then the tire structure can be simplified, but the durability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid metal-polymer composite structure maintains relative structural simplicity while dramatically improving durability. The metal spokes provide enhanced strength and wear resistance without requiring complex additional components, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and durability.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional curing methods are used for tire assembly, then the manufacturing process is simple, but uniformity and stability of the cured tire are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or conventional thermal curing methods with microwave heating technology. This substitution enables uniform and rapid curing throughout the tire assembly, improving manufacturing precision and consistency while maintaining ease of manufacture through automated microwave processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The microwave curing process utilizes phase transition principles where microwave energy is absorbed by the material and converted to thermal energy, causing uniform heating and curing. This phase transition mechanism ensures consistent curing results and improved manufacturing precision.
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 enhances the load carrying capacity and durability of non-pneumatic tires, improving their performance to match or exceed that of pneumatic tires.
Implementation Method 1
the spacer members, curing platens, triangular inserts, and mold members are heated in order to cure form the flap members, a shear band, and a tread member into a molded integral part of a complete, cured tire assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for curing and manufacturing a partially cured tire assembly (140) is disclosed. The system (200) comprises: an annular hub member (210) slid into a corresponding annular, radially inner surface (142) of the partially-cured tire assembly (140); a plurality of elongate spacer members (220) fastened to the hub member (210) with flap members (147) of the partially-cured tire assembly (140) thereby enclosing a radially outermost surface (222) of each of the spacer members (220); a first annular curing platen (230) for axially securing the hub member (210) and spacer members (220) relative to each other; a second annular curing platen (240) for axially securing the hub member (210) and spacer members (220) relative to each other; and a plurality of elongate inserts (250) for creating an outer cylindrical surface formed by a radially outer surface (252) of each insert (250).