Protecting Fragile Tire Inserts Using Protective Sleeves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for inserting inserts into tires, particularly those with electronic components or fragile materials, face risks of surface and structural damage due to gripping and impact forces during the insertion process.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a sleeve to house and protect the insert during its installation, where the insert is partially or fully enclosed within the sleeve to mitigate gripping and impact forces, with the sleeve being geometrically congruent to the insert to ensure a secure fit and minimize damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If robotized or automatized means (stud gun) are used to insert inserts into tires, then insertion efficiency and automation are improved, but gripping and impact forces increase causing surface and structural damage to fragile inserts with electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion efficiencyVSAvoidgripping and impact forces

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the insert and the insertion device. The sleeve receives the insert during insertion and protects it from direct gripping and impact forces. The sleeve is configured with a receiving space that accommodates the insert and allows it to be pushed through the tire tread while minimizing harmful forces transmitted to the insert itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion system is segmented into distinct functional components: the sleeve that protects and guides the insert, the insert itself with its electronic components, and the insertion device. This segmentation allows the sleeve to absorb and distribute the mechanical stresses separately from the fragile insert, enabling automated insertion while protecting sensitive components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If strong gripping forces are applied to firmly hold the insert before and during insertion, then insertion stability is improved, but surface and structural damage to the insert increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion stabilityVSAvoidinsert structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve serves as a mediator that provides the necessary gripping and holding forces during insertion while protecting the insert from these forces. The sleeve's structural design allows it to be firmly gripped by the insertion device and pushed through the tire, while the insert remains protected within the sleeve's receiving space, maintaining both stability and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If inserts with electronic components are used in smart tires, then tire functionality and monitoring capabilities are improved, but vulnerability to damage during insertion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetire functionalityVSAvoidinsert fragility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve is specifically designed to protect fragile inserts with electronic components during the insertion process. The receiving space within the sleeve accommodates these sensitive components, and the sleeve's material and structural design minimize the transmission of harmful forces, enabling the use of advanced smart tire technology without compromising insert integrity during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sleeve provides beforehand protection for fragile inserts with electronic components. By enclosing the insert within the sleeve before insertion, the system preemptively cushions and protects sensitive electronic components from the harmful forces that will be encountered during the insertion process, enabling safe installation of advanced smart tire technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11613091B2Method for inserting an insert into a tire

Publication Date: 2023.03.28 NOKIAN TYRES

AI summary

The aim of the disclosed solution is to present a method of inserting an insert to a tread a tire such that the insert, particularly a fragile insert such as an insert comprising electronic components, may be protected against gripping and impact forces during its insertion. The disclosed solution is premised on an insert being housed, at least partially, in a sleeve upon and during its installation to a tread of a tire. Thus, the sleeve may be employed to provide protection for the insert against gripping and/or impact forces during the insertion of the insert into the tread a tire.