Detachable Tire Mold Vent Valve Insert for Rubber Entry Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing air venting valves in vulcanizing moulds for vehicle tires face issues with rubber material entering the venting ducts, leading to threadlike projections on the finished tire, increased manufacturing costs, and potential valve insert sticking, which impairs air removal and requires time-consuming replacement.

Innovation Solution

A detachable valve insert with a valve stem and elastically compressible retainer member for easy attachment and removal from the valve sleeve, allowing quick switching between open and closed venting technologies, preventing rubber entry and reducing sticking issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional venting ducts are used without valves, then air removal is simple and reliable, but rubber material enters the venting ducts causing threadlike projections on the tire surface and potential valve sticking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverubber material entry into venting ductsVSAvoidventing valve structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The venting system is segmented into modular components: valve sleeves that remain fixed in the mold and valve inserts that can be detached and replaced. This segmentation allows the complex valve function to be isolated in replaceable inserts rather than requiring complex integrated structures throughout the entire venting system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameter of the venting duct from permanently open to dynamically controllable. Valve inserts with closing mechanisms allow the venting duct to switch between open and closed states, preventing rubber entry while maintaining air removal capability during critical phases of the vulcanization process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If air venting valves with movable valve inserts are used to prevent rubber entry, then rubber material is kept out of venting ducts, but the valve inserts may stick due to production disturbances or material changes, impairing air removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverubber material entry preventionVSAvoidair removal function
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve inserts are designed to be detachable and replaceable. When sticking occurs or production conditions change, the problematic valve insert can be removed and replaced with a new or different type of insert, restoring reliable air removal function without replacing entire valve assemblies or mold components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The venting system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where valve inserts can be opened, closed, removed, and replaced based on production conditions. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different scenarios including preventing rubber entry during vulcanization and restoring air removal when sticking occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If valve inserts are removed and replaced when sticking occurs, then air venting function can be restored, but the replacement process is time-consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair venting functionVSAvoidvalve insert replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the valve system into fixed valve sleeves and detachable valve inserts, the invention enables rapid replacement of only the problematic insert component rather than entire valve assemblies. This segmentation reduces replacement time and complexity significantly compared to traditional integrated valve designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable valve insert design prepares the system for easy maintenance in advance. The valve inserts are designed with attachment mechanisms that facilitate quick removal and replacement, so when sticking occurs, the restoration of air venting function can be achieved rapidly without complex disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables fast and easy replacement of valve inserts, reducing manufacturing costs and preventing valve sticking, thus ensuring efficient air removal and maintaining production efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The retainer member (8) is elastically compressible and/or elastically deformable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the tyre material being vulcanized moves towards the mould surface, it pushes the valve disc towards the closed position and finally presses the valve disk against the valve sleeve thus closing the venting duct

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

A coil spring for pressing the valve disc away from the mould wall towards the tyre blank is arranged around the valve insert

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3481624B1Valve insert, air venting valve and method
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 WD RACING
  • EP3481624B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3481624B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A valve insert (4) for use in an air venting valve (1) of a vulcanizing mould (2) of a vehicle tyre. The valve insert (4) comprises a valve stem (6) arranged to be inserted into a valve sleeve (3) of the air venting valve (1). The first end of the valve stem (6) is provided with a valve disk (7) and the second end of the valve stem is provided with means (8) for detachably attaching the valve insert (4) to the valve sleeve (3). The valve insert (3) comprises a venting bore (15) for removing air from the vulcanizing mould (2). An opening (16) of the venting bore (15) is located on a front surface (18) of the valve disk (7). The invention also relates to an air venting valve and a method of operating of a vulcanizing mould of a vehicle tyre.