Non-Pneumatic Tire Curing Mold with Segmented Heat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing non-pneumatic tires face challenges in uniformly heating the combination of materials during the vulcanizing or curing process, leading to issues such as overcuring or undercuring of tire components.
Innovation Solution
The use of a mold assembly with multiple heat sources, including a primary conductive heat source and independently operable radiative heat sources, to control and distribute heat uniformly around the non-pneumatic tire, ensuring consistent curing of the tire materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat is introduced from opposing directions during conventional curing processes, then heating uniformity is improved, but the mass and geometry of the rigid rim structure is not taken into account leading to inadequate curing control
Solution Approach 1:
The curing system is divided into multiple independent heating zones with separate heat sources (first heat source, second heat source, and third heat source) that can be controlled independently. Each heat source corresponds to different regions of the non-pneumatic tire assembly, allowing segmented temperature control to account for the rim's mass and geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tire assembly receive different heating conditions tailored to their specific requirements. The heat sources are positioned and controlled to provide localized heating that accounts for variations in material composition, thickness, and the presence of the rigid rim structure.
2Productivity
If heating is applied too quickly, then productivity is improved, but overcuring occurs in some portions of the tire assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system transitions from static, uniform heating to dynamic, adaptive heating. The independently controllable heat sources can adjust their power output and timing based on real-time temperature feedback and the specific curing requirements of different regions, enabling both rapid and uniform curing.
Solution Approach 2:
The curing process incorporates temperature monitoring and feedback control mechanisms that allow the system to respond to actual curing conditions. This enables adjustment of heating parameters to prevent overcuring while maintaining high productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If heating is applied too slowly, then curing uniformity is improved, but undercuring occurs in some portions of the tire assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The curing process is segmented into multiple zones with independent heat sources that can operate at different rates. This allows regions requiring slower heating (for uniformity) to receive appropriate heat while other regions can be heated more rapidly, preventing undercuring throughout the entire assembly.
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
This approach allows for precise control of the curing process, preventing overcuring or undercuring and ensuring that all tire components are fully cross-linked and vulcanized, resulting in a consistently high-quality non-pneumatic tire.
Implementation Method 1
The mold assembly includes a primary conductive heat source
Implementation Method 2
The mold assembly includes two radiative heat sources that are independently operable from one another and from the primary conductive heat source
Data Source
AI summary
Mold assemblies for curing non-pneumatic tires include first and second mold sections that are axially displaceable relative to one another. A primary conductive heat source is in thermal communication with the mold sections. One radiative heat source is supported on the first mold section and another radiative heat source is supported on the second mold section. A non-pneumatic tire is positioned with the mold assembly between the radiative heat sources. Tire curing systems including such mold assemblies and methods of manufacturing nonpneumatic tires are also included.