Vehicle Tire QR Code Application via Flat Rubber Patch
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for applying QR codes to vehicle tires are inefficient due to the curved surface of the sidewall, requiring high production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of a vulcanized rubber patch with a QR code applied using engraving, milling, printing, or laser processes, which is then inserted into a depression in the tire sidewall after vulcanization, allowing precise and high-speed application independent of tire manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the QR code is applied directly to the curved sidewall of the tire, then the code can be applied in one step, but the production cost increases and the process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the QR code application into separate steps: first creating the code on a flat surface (segment 1), then applying it to the curved sidewall (segment 2). This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, avoiding the complexity of direct curved surface application while maintaining production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The QR code is prepared in advance on a flat material layer before tire vulcanization. This preliminary action on a flat surface enables precise code application using standard techniques, and the pre-prepared code is then transferred to the curved sidewall, simplifying the overall process and reducing production costs.
2Manufacturing precision
If the QR code is applied to the curved sidewall, then the code is visible, but the application precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from applying the code directly on the curved 3D surface to applying it on a flat 2D surface first. This dimensionality change allows precise code creation using flat-surface techniques, and the code is then transferred to the curved sidewall, maintaining precision while accommodating the curved shape.
Solution Approach 2:
A flat material layer serves as an intermediary between the code creation process and the curved sidewall. The QR code is first applied to this intermediary flat surface with high precision, then transferred to the curved tire sidewall, allowing precision to be maintained despite the curved target surface.
3Reliability
If the QR code is applied after tire vulcanization, then the tire structure is complete, but the cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The QR code is prepared in advance on flat material layers before tire vulcanization. This preliminary preparation of multiple code carriers can be done in parallel with tire manufacturing, and the codes are applied to the sidewall after vulcanization, maintaining structural integrity while reducing overall cycle time through parallel processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process is segmented into independent parallel streams: tire vulcanization and QR code preparation occur simultaneously on separate material layers. After vulcanization, the pre-prepared codes are applied to the sidewall, allowing both structural integrity and reduced cycle time to be achieved through process segmentation and parallelization.
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 method improves production efficiency by enabling precise and rapid QR code application, reducing manufacturing cycle time and eliminating post-vulcanization sidewall preparation, while providing a means to easily read important tire information.
Implementation Method 1
it is provided that in step b) the QR code is applied with a laser. The laser can be used to burn or engrave corresponding indentations for the formation of the QR code in the material layer
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
To provide a method for manufacturing a vehicle tire that improves the manufacturing of vehicle tires, a method comprising the following steps is proposed: a) providing a flat layer of vulcanized rubber material on a flat substrate; b) applying at least one visually visible QR code to the layer, wherein the QR code transfers a variety of encrypted information about a vehicle tire to the layer, the encrypted information being decryptable by an optical camera; c) post-processing the layer with the QR code to apply the layer, in the form of a rubber patch (1) bearing the QR code, to a vehicle tire; d) providing a finished vulcanized vehicle tire, wherein, during the manufacturing of the vehicle tire, a recess is formed in the sidewall of the vehicle tire for the application of the rubber patch (1).f) Applying the rubber patch (1) with the QR code into the recess of the sidewall and creating a firm material bond with the sidewall of the vehicle tire, wherein the firm material bond is created by an adhesive process or a cold vulcanization process, g) Completing the vehicle tire with further steps.