Tire Curing Press Segmented Columns and Adjustable Lock Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire curing presses are large, bulky, and difficult to maintain due to their enclosing support frames, which limits access and complicates maintenance, and they often require multiple sizes to accommodate various tire sizes, increasing complexity and size.
Innovation Solution
A tire curing press design featuring a main support frame with discrete columns providing a large open area for access, a movable platen system with adjustable indexing apparatus for mold height, and a multi-height lock ring to accommodate different tire sizes within a single press setup, allowing for easier maintenance and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional enclosing support frames are used in tire curing presses, then structural strength and stability are provided, but accessibility for maintenance and operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosing support frame is segmented into discrete columns that are spatially separated, creating open areas between them. This segmentation maintains the structural strength needed for high-pressure tire curing while improving accessibility for maintenance and operation by eliminating continuous enclosing walls.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tire curing press sizes are manufactured to accommodate various tire sizes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The press incorporates adjustable components including a movable platen with indexing apparatus and a multi-height lock ring that can be repositioned to accommodate different tire sizes. This dynamic adjustability allows a single press design to handle multiple tire sizes, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated press sizes and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The press cavity and support structure are designed with universal features that allow them to accommodate various tire sizes through adjustable components. The discrete columns and reconfigurable mold support system enable one press design to perform multiple functions across different tire size applications.
3Stress or pressure
If heavy steel members are used to withstand high curing pressures, then strength and pressure resistance are improved, but weight and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The press structure uses discrete columns rather than continuous heavy steel members, segmenting the load-bearing structure into separate vertical elements. This segmentation reduces overall weight while maintaining the necessary squeeze pressure resistance through optimized column placement and sizing.
Solution Approach 2:
The heavy steel members are concentrated locally at critical load-bearing points (the discrete columns) rather than distributed throughout the entire structure. This local quality approach provides necessary pressure resistance where needed while minimizing overall weight and complexity in non-critical areas.
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 design enhances accessibility and simplifies maintenance while accommodating various tire sizes with a single press setup, reducing the overall size and complexity of the curing press, improving operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a cylinder mounted on the frame, a cylinder rod of the cylinder for moving the bolster and the lower mold section
Implementation Method 2
a movable indexing apparatus interposed between the cylinder rod and the bolster, and a plurality of steps of differing thickness on the indexing apparatus
Implementation Method 3
tire shaping and curing operations are carried out at high pressures
Implementation Method 4
for curing vulcanized tires
Data Source
AI summary
A tire curing press (20) for curing vulcanized tires includes an upper cavity part (24) and a base (26) that at least partially forms the lower cavity part (22). A movable platen (34) is supported by the base (26) that supports a tire mold section received within the upper cavity part (24). In various examples, an outer riser column (36) is secured to the base and extends vertically upwards from the base to support the upper cavity part (24), a multi-height lock ring (82 85) is disposed upon the base and is configured to interface with an annular flange of the upper cavity part via a bayonet connection, first (110) and second (130) cylinders are configured to apply a substantially equal squeeze pressure to the movable platen to thereby establish a final tire curing pressure within the press cavity, and/or a lock plate (60) is carried by the upper cavity part and includes a locking surface (62) for selective engagement with an abutment shoulder (65).