Tire Retreading via Thermoplastic Elastomer Separation Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire retreading and tread separation processes are complex, expensive, and yield uncertain adhesion characteristics between the tread and carcass, making them inefficient and unreliable, especially for non-industrial settings like petrol stations.
Innovation Solution
A tire carcass design featuring a circumferential tread support surface covered with a cocrosslinked thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) layer, which is resistant and durable due to joint moulding and vulcanization with adjacent rubber mixtures, allowing for accurate and repeatable tread separation and retreading without the need for adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional retreading and tread separation processes are used, then tread separation can be achieved, but the processes are complex, expensive, and yield uncertain adhesion characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
A separation layer is pre-installed on the carcass before the tread is applied. This preliminary action enables easy and reliable separation later without requiring complex conventional processes, while ensuring consistent adhesion characteristics through controlled material properties of the separation layer.
Solution Approach 2:
A separation layer made of thermoplastic elastomer or plastic material is introduced as an intermediary between the carcass and the tread. This intermediary layer simplifies the retreading process by providing a controlled interface that separates easily when heated, eliminating the need for complex conventional separation procedures while maintaining reliable adhesion.
2Loss of substance
If conventional retreading processes are used, then tread replacement is possible, but material waste and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separation layer is designed to be selectively removed or separated from the old tread while remaining on the carcass. This extraction approach allows the carcass and separation layer to be reused with a new tread, minimizing material waste and reducing the need for complete tire replacement, thereby improving retreading efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation layer is recovered and retained on the carcass after tread removal, serving as a prepared surface for the new tread. This recovery approach reduces material waste by eliminating the need to discard the entire tire structure, and improves productivity by streamlining the retreading process.
3Strength
If adhesive bonding is used for tread attachment, then strong bonding is achieved, but the process becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical bonding process using adhesives is replaced with a thermal-mechanical bonding system. The separation layer's thermoplastic properties enable bonding through heat and pressure alone, eliminating the need for complex adhesive application processes while maintaining strong bonding strength between the tread and carcass.
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
The solution enables rapid, accurate, and cost-effective retreading and tread separation with improved adhesion characteristics, facilitating operations at non-industrial sites and reducing material waste and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the softening of the thermoplastic film layer by heating
Implementation Method 2
the softening of the thermoplastic film layer by heating
Implementation Method 3
joint moulding and vulcanization with adjacent rubber mixtures
Data Source
AI summary
A tire carcass (1) comprises two sidewalls (2) and a crown (3) suitable for receiving, radially externally, a tread (4), the internal surface of the sidewalls and of the crown forming an internal wall (10), also comprising a circumferential tread support surface (6) provided with a layer of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), the support surface (6) extending from one bead (7) to the other while passing through the sidewalls (2) and the crown (3).