Tire Vulcanization Mold Recess Geometry for Low Dirt Buildup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tire vulcanization molds experience frequent dirt accumulation in recesses, necessitating increased cleaning frequencies to maintain the blackness of decorative tire portions, which affects tire visibility and production efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The tire vulcanization mold features recesses with an arc-shaped side wall and a bottom projection that reduces dirt accumulation by facilitating easier rubber separation, incorporating a bottom projection that initiates separation and an arc-shaped side wall to minimize tearing and dirt retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional recesses are used in the molding surface, then the decorative portion can be formed with micro projections to reduce light reflection and increase blackness, but fine pieces of rubber and dust accumulate in the recesses during repeated molding, requiring frequent cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblackness of decorative portionVSAvoidcleaning frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by forming the recesses with a specific curved cross-sectional shape where the width at any position is defined by a circular arc. This curved geometry prevents dirt accumulation by eliminating sharp corners and flat surfaces where debris can trap, while still forming the desired micro projections on the tire surface. The curved recess profile allows rubber to release more easily and prevents dust accumulation compared to conventional flat-bottomed recesses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Manufacturing precision

If the recesses are cleaned frequently to maintain blackness, then the decorative appearance is preserved, but production efficiency decreases due to increased maintenance time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedegree of blacknessVSAvoidcleaning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The curved cross-sectional shape of the recesses, defined by circular arcs, creates a self-cleaning geometry that minimizes dirt accumulation. The continuous curved surface without sharp edges or flat bottoms prevents rubber fragments and dust from becoming trapped, thereby maintaining the blackness of the decorative portion for extended periods without requiring frequent cleaning interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional flat-bottomed recesses are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but dirt accumulates more easily in the flat bottom areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecess formationVSAvoiddirt accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines the recess cross-section using circular arcs with specific radius ratios, creating a curved profile that is more effective at preventing dirt accumulation than flat-bottomed designs. While the manufacturing process is slightly more complex than simple flat recesses, the curved geometry significantly reduces harmful dirt accumulation by eliminating flat surfaces where debris can settle and adhere.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP4140717B1Tire vulcanization mold, production method for tire and tire
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP4140717B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4140717B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4140717B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a tire vulcanization mold that comprises a molding surface for molding a tire. The molding surface 10 includes a first region 11 in which a plurality of recesses 13 for forming a plurality of projections on a surface of the tire are provided. In the first region 11, at least two of the recesses 13 are arranged per mm2. Each of the recesses 13 includes a side wall surface 15, a bottom surface 20, and a virtual recess central axis 13c extending in a depth direction of the recess. In a cross-sectional view of the recess 13 including the recess central axis 13c, the bottom surface 20 includes a bottom projection 25 projecting outward in the depth direction, and the side wall surface includes an arc-shaped surface 16 smoothly connected to the bottom surface 20. The invention also relates to a method for producing a tire and a tire.