Tire Mold Plate Release Mechanism Using Rotating Cam Bolt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire molds face challenges in efficiently and quickly replacing removable pocket plates due to issues with screw-based fastening methods, which cause delays and inefficiencies, and magnet-based systems that require cooling and lack a secure grip for removal.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism utilizing a bolt or rod with an axially extending projection, radially offset from its axis, allows for easy rotation and manipulation within a hole to push and release the plate from its recess, enabling quick removal and insertion without disassembling the mold from the press.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If front attaching screws are used to fasten pocket plates, then the plates are securely held in place, but the screw heads leave marks on the molded tire
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from the visible front surface by moving all attachment elements to the rear side of the mold. The rod mechanism with cam surface and hook engages the pocket plate from behind, eliminating front screw heads that would leave marks on the tire while maintaining secure plate holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod acts as an intermediary mechanism that transfers the fastening action from the rear access point to the pocket plate. The cam surface and hook on the rod provide indirect engagement with the plate, allowing secure attachment without direct contact from the front molding surface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If screws are fastened from the back of the plate, then no screw marks appear on the tire, but the mold must be removed from the press to access and change the plates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the plate changing operation from the overall mold assembly/disassembly process. The rod mechanism is designed as a separate, independently operable component that can be accessed and operated without removing the mold from the press, allowing plate changes to be performed as a separate, quick operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod is pre-positioned in the mold with its cam surface and hook ready to engage the pocket plate. The mechanism is prepared in advance so that when plate changes are needed, the operator simply needs to manipulate the rod rather than perform complex disassembly and reassembly operations.
3Reliability
If magnet fastened plates are used, then the plates are held in place during molding, but they must be allowed to cool before removal and are difficult to grasp for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The rod mechanism provides dynamic control over plate retention and release. The cam surface can be selectively positioned to either engage and secure the plate during molding or disengage to allow easy removal. This dynamic control eliminates the need to wait for cooling and provides simple manual operation for plate changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the magnetic holding system with a mechanical cam-and-hook system. The cam surface provides reliable mechanical retention during molding, while the same mechanism can be manually actuated to release the plate for removal, eliminating the cooling requirement and improving ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If conventional rod mechanisms are used, then the plates can be pushed from the recess, but the mechanism becomes complex with multiple components like hooks and tabs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the pushing and securing functions into a single integrated rod mechanism. The cam surface provides the pushing action to release the plate, while the hook on the same rod provides secure engagement. This combination eliminates the need for separate pushing devices and simplifies the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both plate retention (via the hook) and plate release (via the cam surface pushing action). This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate components, reducing mechanism complexity while maintaining full plate control capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mechanism for releasing a plate (50) from a recess (20) in a tire mold part (10) is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a bolt or rod (30) insertable into a hole (22) in the tire mold part (10) and extending from a first end (32) at an outer surface (12) of the tire mold part (10) to a second end (34) at a recess (20) for a slug, plate or pocket plate (50) in the tire mold part (10). The second end (34) of the bolt or rod (30) has an axially extending projection (36) allowing a manipulation of the bolt or rod (30) about an axis (31). The projection (36) is defined by two diametrically opposite curved surfaces (37) interconnected by two diametrically opposite planar surfaces (38) and/or the projection (36) is configured such that a rotation of the bold or rod (30) causes the projection (36) to contact and press outward against the slug, plate or pocket plate (50) in the tire mold part (10).