Tire Curing Spacer Assembly for Uniform Cavity Tension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-pneumatic tires, particularly top loader designs, face limitations in load carrying capacity and durability due to the characteristics of polymeric spokes used in these tires.
Innovation Solution
A system for manufacturing non-pneumatic wheel/tire assemblies that includes elongate spacer members with cam bolts and springs to maintain uniform cavity tension and facilitate curing, allowing for adjustable radial positions to optimize tire assembly construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polymeric spokes are used in top loader non-pneumatic tires, then the tire structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the load carrying capacity and durability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polymeric spokes with metal reinforcement elements (such as steel cords or wire meshes) integrated into the polymeric structure. This composite approach allows the spoke to maintain the manufacturing advantages of polymeric materials while gaining the load-bearing strength and durability of metal components, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and load carrying capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical properties of the polymeric material through advanced curing processes. By controlling curing temperature, pressure, and time parameters, the polymeric spokes achieve enhanced mechanical properties including increased load carrying capacity and durability, while maintaining the simplified structure and manufacturing ease of polymeric construction
2Device complexity
If polymeric spokes are used in top loader non-pneumatic tires, then the tire structure is simplified, but the durability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of metal reinforcement elements within the polymeric spoke structure creates a composite that combines the lightweight and simple geometry of polymeric materials with the durability and fatigue resistance of metal. This composite construction maintains structural simplicity while significantly enhancing durability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled parameter changes during the curing process to transform the polymeric material properties. By optimizing curing parameters such as temperature profiles, pressure application, and curing duration, the polymeric spokes achieve enhanced cross-linking and molecular structure that improves durability and reliability without increasing structural complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If uniform cavity tension is maintained during curing, then the tire assembly achieves proper dimensional stability, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the curing system with self-adjusting mechanisms that automatically maintain uniform cavity tension. The system uses elastic elements or spring-loaded components that naturally equalize pressure distribution across the cavity, eliminating the need for complex external control systems while achieving precise dimensional stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as flexible membranes or pressure-distributing layers between the curing press and the tire assembly. These intermediaries automatically distribute applied pressure uniformly across the cavity, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while ensuring precise dimensional control of the cured tire components
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 system enhances the load carrying capacity and durability of non-pneumatic tire spokes, thereby improving the overall performance of top loader non-pneumatic tires to match or exceed that of pneumatic tires.
Implementation Method 1
two springs each attached to the first body member and the second body member for maintaining a radial compressive force against the cam bolts
Implementation Method 2
the spacer members and first and second curing platens are heated in order to cure flap members of the partially-cured tire assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A system cures and manufactures a partially-cured tire assembly. The system includes a plurality of elongate spacer members for maintaining corresponding a uniform cavity tension in the partially-cured tire assembly, each spacer member including a first longitudinal body member axially opposed to a second longitudinal body member, two cam bolts for adjusting a radial gap between the first longitudinal body member and the second longitudinal body member, and two springs each attached to the first body member and the second body member for maintaining a radial compressive force against the cam bolts; a first annular curing platen for securing spacer members relative to each other; and a second annular curing platen for securing spacer members relative to each other.