Tire Mold Marking Insert for Coded Matrix Symbols
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for implementing coded matrix symbols on tire sidewalls are complex and expensive, and the readability of these symbols deteriorates with tire wear.
Innovation Solution
A mold element with a marking shell that molds a coded matrix symbol onto the tire sidewall, featuring conical cavities for dark portions and spherical cap projections/hollows for light portions, allowing for integrated and contrasting texturing without a dedicated production line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a dedicated laser engraving production line is used to create coded matrix symbols on tire sidewalls, then the symbols can be produced with machine precision, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the coded matrix symbol production into the existing tire molding process by integrating marking features directly into the tire mold. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated laser engraving production line, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining symbol precision through the molding process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking features are incorporated into the tire mold before the tire production begins. The coded matrix symbol is prepared and integrated into the molding tooling in advance, allowing the symbol to be created as part of the tire manufacturing process rather than requiring a subsequent dedicated production step.
2Device complexity
If traditional marking methods are used on tire sidewalls, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the readability of the coded matrix symbol deteriorates with tire wear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different surface qualities to different regions of the tire sidewall. The coded matrix symbol area receives a specialized marking treatment with specific texture characteristics that differ from the surrounding tire surface, creating enhanced contrast and durability for the symbol region while leaving the rest of the tire unaffected.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking process creates a composite surface structure on the tire sidewall, combining the base tire material with a specialized marking layer or texture. This composite structure provides both the visual contrast needed for readability and the durability to resist wear, achieving both simplicity and reliability.
3Strength
If the coded matrix symbol is engraved after tire manufacturing, then the tire structure remains intact, but the symbol becomes less legible as the tire wears
Solution Approach 1:
The marking features are incorporated into the tire mold before the tire production begins. The coded matrix symbol is prepared and integrated into the molding tooling in advance, allowing the symbol to be created as part of the tire manufacturing process rather than requiring a subsequent dedicated production step.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the coded matrix symbol production into the existing tire molding process by integrating marking features directly into the tire mold. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated laser engraving production line, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining symbol precision through the molding process itself.
4Productivity
If a removable plate with marking features is integrated into the tire mold, then the coded matrix symbol can be produced during tire manufacturing, but the mold complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tire mold is segmented into functional components, with the marking features implemented as a separate removable plate or insert. This segmentation allows the complex marking functionality to be isolated in a modular component that can be easily replaced or modified without affecting the entire mold system, thereby managing complexity while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable plate with marking features serves multiple functions: it creates the coded matrix symbol, provides surface texture for contrast, and can be easily replaced to update symbols. This multi-functionality justifies the added mold complexity by delivering significant productivity benefits and flexibility.
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
Improves the readability and manufacturing efficiency of coded matrix symbols by creating strong contrast between dark and light parts, ensuring durability and aesthetic integration with the tire sidewall.
Implementation Method 1
The cavities of the first set of cavities are conical in shape and distributed throughout the marking at a density of at least one cone per square millimeter (mm2), each cone having an average cross-section between 0.0005 mm2 and 1 mm2, allowing for the creation of protruding elements relative to the surface of the blank that have a strand-like shape
Implementation Method 2
The marking includes a second set of protrusions projecting from the mold element adapted for molding light-colored parts of the coded matrix symbol, and these protrusions are spherical caps, each protruding element being interpenetrated with several adjacent protruding elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a mould element (2) for a tyre mould comprising a mark (20), said mould comprising a shell intended to mould the sidewall (10) of the tyre (1). The mould element (2) is characterised in that it takes the form of a removable insert intended to be mounted in a housing in the shell, and in that the mark (20) is intended to mould an encoded matrix symbol onto the tyre, such that it contrasts with the sidewall of the tyre, said mark (20) comprising a first set of cavities (201) or projections (202) designed to mould the dark parts of the encoded matrix symbol (5).