Pneumatic Tire Sealing Agent Uniformity via Robotized Helical Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for applying a sealing agent to the internal cavity of a pneumatic tire lack uniformity, leading to variations in the thickness of the applied sealing agent, which can cause imbalance and eccentricity in the tire.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a robot with a movable arm to apply a sealing agent in a helical progression, maintaining a constant distance between the nozzle and the tire surface, ensuring uniform application and minimizing weight variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a high viscosity sealing agent is applied using conventional methods, then the sealing action and stability are ensured, but the uniformity of the applied thickness is poor leading to tire imbalance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing action and stabilityVSAvoiduniformity of applied thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a robotized applicator with a movable arm that performs dynamic reciprocating movements while the tire rotates. This dynamic application method, combined with controlled tire rotation, enables precise control over the sealing agent distribution, achieving uniform thickness application that prevents tire imbalance while maintaining reliable sealing action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the sealing agent application system uses a movable arm with reciprocating movement, then the sealing agent can be applied to the internal cavity, but appreciable variations in thickness occur from area to area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to internal cavityVSAvoidthickness uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that detect the position of the applicator arm and the rotation position of the tire, providing feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism allows real-time adjustment of the sealing agent application, ensuring uniform thickness distribution across different areas of the internal cavity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual or simple mechanical application systems with a robotized applicator controlled by a programmable control unit. This substitution enables precise, repeatable movements and controlled dispensing of the sealing agent, achieving uniform thickness application throughout the internal cavity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If small changes in the amount of sealing agent are applied, then the weight variation of the pneumatic tire occurs, but achieving uniform application is difficult with current systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of sealing agentVSAvoiduniformity of distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a robotized applicator system with programmable control that precisely regulates the quantity of sealing agent dispensed. The controlled reciprocating movement of the applicator arm, synchronized with tire rotation, ensures uniform distribution of the sealing agent, minimizing weight variations and preventing tire imbalance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls the application parameters including the speed of reciprocating movement, rotation speed of the tire, and dispensing rate of the sealing agent. By optimizing and maintaining these parameters within specific ranges, the system achieves uniform distribution of the sealing agent, ensuring consistent weight distribution and preventing tire imbalance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12337565B2Method and system for applying a sealing agent to the surface of an internal cavity of a pneumatic tire

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 BRIDGESTONE EURO NV SA

AI summary

A system is provided for applying a sealing agent to an surface of an internal cavity of a pneumatic tire. The system provides for detecting the weight of the pneumatic tire before and after the application of the sealing agent to the surface, calculating the difference between the quantity of sealing agent applied to the surface and a reference quantity of sealing agent; storing the difference within a short-term memory buffer and a long-term memory buffer; determining a short-term compensation factor and a long-term compensation factor and calculating a correction factor using alternatively the short-term compensation factor or else the long-term compensation factor; and using the correction factor to actuate an applicator device during the subsequent step of applying the strip of sealing agent to the surface.