Tire Mold Lining Element Laser Sintering Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for manufacturing lining elements for tire moulds are expensive and complex due to the use of solid, heavy materials like steel, which are costly to produce and difficult to shape into curved forms required for tire tread patterns, leading to potential defects in layer bonding during laser sintering.
Innovation Solution
A method involving selective melting of superposed powder layers to create a lining element with a local support element, allowing for the production of a curved base surface that complements the support block, ensuring proper layer support and separation, thereby enhancing bonding quality and ease of separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If laser sintering is used to manufacture lining elements with curved base surfaces, then manufacturing flexibility and cost are improved, but layer bonding quality deteriorates due to unsupported jutting layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing support elements before the laser sintering process completes. These support elements are strategically placed in areas where layers would otherwise jut out without underlying support, ensuring that subsequent powder layers have proper support during deposition and bonding. This preliminary structural preparation prevents bonding defects before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements act as intermediary structures between the laser sintering process and the final lining element. These temporary elements facilitate the layer-by-layer construction by providing necessary support during manufacturing, then are removed afterward. The intermediary support elements enable the curved base surface geometry to be achieved without compromising layer bonding quality.
2Strength
If traditional steel materials are used for lining elements, then strength and durability are improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from traditional steel materials to powder-based materials suitable for laser sintering. This material parameter change enables additive manufacturing processes, significantly reducing manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining the necessary mechanical properties through proper material selection and process control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical manufacturing methods (such as machining solid steel) with laser sintering technology. This substitution of manufacturing mechanism allows for more economical production of lining elements with complex curved geometries, eliminating the high costs associated with traditional steel fabrication while achieving the required strength and durability.
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 method results in high-quality lining elements with desired shapes that match the support block, reducing manufacturing costs and improving the bonding process, ensuring precise and efficient tire tread pattern formation.
Implementation Method 1
manufacturing, by selective melting of superposed layers of powder, of an intermediate element comprising the lining element and at least one local support element
Implementation Method 2
When the selective melting is carried out using a laser, it is more commonly known as laser sintering
Data Source
AI summary
Method of manufacturing a lining element intended to be attached to a support block of a tire mould, comprising the following steps: manufacturing, by selective melting of superposed layers of powder, of an intermediate element comprising the lining element and at least one local support element for locally supporting the lining element, the lining element and the local support element being produced as a single piece, separating the lining element from the support element.