Laser Sintered Tire Mold Lining Assembly with Sacrificial Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tire vulcanization mold adaptation process is lengthy and tedious, requiring the attachment of multiple lining elements to each support block to achieve specific tread patterns, which complicates the manufacturing and adaptation of molds.
Innovation Solution
A lining assembly produced by laser sintering, comprising a plurality of interconnected trim elements with a sacrificial connecting element, allowing all trim elements to be attached to the support block in a single step and facilitating quick adaptation by positioning one element, which indirectly positions the others, and easily removable after attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lining elements are attached separately to each support block to achieve specific tread patterns, then the mold can be adapted to different tire designs, but the manufacturing process becomes lengthy and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate lining elements are merged into a single integrated lining assembly that can be attached to the support block as one unit. This assembly includes several lining elements (first, second, third lining elements) connected through sacrificial connecting elements, allowing simultaneous attachment while maintaining the ability to form different tread patterns by selecting different assembly configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lining elements and connecting elements are pre-assembled into a complete lining assembly before attachment to the support block. This preliminary assembly action allows all positioning and connection work to be done in advance, so that during mold adaptation, the entire assembly can be installed in one operation rather than attaching each element separately.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple lining elements are attached separately to ensure precise positioning, then the tread pattern accuracy is maintained, but the complexity of the attachment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sacrificial connecting elements serve as intermediaries between the lining elements during the assembly process. These connecting elements facilitate precise positioning and alignment of multiple lining elements relative to each other and to the support block. After attachment, the connecting elements are removed, leaving the precisely positioned lining elements in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning functions for multiple lining elements are merged into a single integrated assembly process. By pre-assembling all lining elements with their relative positions established through connecting elements, the complex separate positioning operations are combined into one unified attachment action, reducing overall process complexity.
3Ease of operation
If traditional attachment methods are used for lining elements, then each element can be individually positioned, but the overall process requires multiple steps and increases manufacturing time
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment operations for multiple lining elements are merged into a single step by providing them as a pre-assembled unit. The entire lining assembly can be attached to the support block in one operation, eliminating the need for multiple separate attachment steps and significantly improving manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
All positioning and assembly work is performed in advance during the preliminary assembly of the lining elements into a complete lining assembly. This preliminary action ensures that during the actual mold manufacturing process, the attachment operation is simple and quick, maximizing productivity.
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 simplifies the mold adaptation process by enabling all trim elements to be attached in one operation, reducing the complexity and time required for mold preparation, and ensures precise positioning and easy separation of the sacrificial connecting elements, enhancing manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the assembly is produced by selective laser melting, more commonly known as laser sintering, laser sintering or SLM (Selective Laser Melting). The objects are produced by the selective fusion of powders and built by superimposing layers.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a lining assembly (14), comprising a plurality of lining elements (18) intended to be attached to a support block (12) of a sector (10) of a tyre mould, the lining elements (18) being intended to form tread patterns on a portion of the tread of a tyre, the assembly (14) furthermore comprising at least one sacrificial element (24) for linking the lining elements (18) together.