Tire Layer Removal via Localized Energy Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The recycling of tires is hindered by the presence of non-recyclable layers, such as the sealing and inner liner layers, which are difficult to remove without compromising the integrity of the tire.
Innovation Solution
A method involving local energy input at a detachment edge to remove exposed layers from tires, allowing for selective and precise detachment without direct contact with tools, using various energy forms like mechanical, thermal, or ultrasonic inputs, and water jets or lasers to facilitate clean separation and collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional mechanical tools are used to remove tire layers, then the layers can be detached, but the detached material adheres to the tools and complicates the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact tools with a laser beam for energy input. The laser ablates the tire layer material without physical contact, eliminating the adhesion problem that plagues mechanical cutting tools. The laser beam delivers energy to the detachment edge, vaporizing or carbonizing the material to enable clean separation without material sticking to the tool.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If energy input methods are used to remove tire layers, then material adhesion to tools is prevented, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical contact systems with a laser beam delivery system. Instead of dealing with tool wear, adhesion, and cleaning requirements of mechanical tools, the system uses optical energy delivery through lenses or mirrors to focus the laser beam at the detachment edge, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary between the energy source and the tire material. This intermediary allows energy transfer without physical contact, enabling precise localized heating and ablation at the detachment edge while keeping the energy delivery system separate from the material being processed.
3Productivity
If the entire tire is processed at once, then processing efficiency is maintained, but the non-recyclable layers cannot be selectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies energy input locally at the detachment edge rather than treating the entire tire uniformly. The laser beam is focused on the specific interface between layers, providing localized heating that selectively weakens the bonding at the detachment edge. This allows selective removal of specific layers while preserving the integrity and structure of the remaining tire components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tire structure by creating a distinct detachment edge between layers. By applying energy input at this segmented interface, the process separates the tire into removable layers and a remaining structure, enabling selective removal of non-recyclable layers while maintaining the recyclable portions intact for separate processing.
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
Enables the precise and clean removal of non-recyclable tire layers, preventing material adhesion to tools and simplifying the recycling process, allowing for the reuse of detached materials and maintaining the integrity of the remaining tire.
Implementation Method 1
the local energy input is achieved by irradiation with water
Implementation Method 2
A laser beam can be moved along the detachment edge to detach a portion of the exposed layer along the entire detachment edge
Implementation Method 3
a water jet with one or more nozzles is brought close to the surface of the exposed layer and the surface is irradiated with water along the detachment edge
Implementation Method 4
The ultrasonic vibrations also prevent the detached material from adhering to the tool and rendering it unusable or requiring cleaning of the tool
Implementation Method 5
The mechanical energy input of the spatula is amplified by the thermal energy generated when the spatula is heated
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Method for removing an exposed layer (2) of a tire (1), wherein the layer (2) is detached by a local energy input at a detachment edge (4) of the layer (2) and peeled off the tire (1), wherein the position of the detachment edge (4) shifts along the tire circumference during detachment.